Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder has been reopened, but the appeal is not granted as it remains denied.,An increased rating of 50 percent from October 6, 2009 to May 24, 2013 for MDD was granted. The effective date prior to May 24, 2013 for this increase in disability rating is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the increased 50 percent disability rating for MDD is also denied.,A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) has been granted.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with PTSD is rated at 70 percent since October 1, 2001 and has been granted a higher rating. The Veteran was also found to be unemployable due to his service-connected psychiatric disability prior to April 27, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD was denied, and her initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder was also denied. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the symptoms described do not meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability of the left upper extremity was reopened and granted.,Other claims were remanded due to lack of complete application forms.,Service connection was restored for stress headaches, hypertension, valvular heart disease (mitral valve prolapse), iron deficiency anemia, allergic rhinitis, right shoulder sprain/strain, left shoulder sprain/strain, neck sprain and strain, right knee sprain/strain, left knee sprain/strain, right ankle sprain, right hallux valgus, left eye cortical cataract, acne, atrophic vaginitis, and OSA with CPAP.,The Veteran's service connection for fusion of the right fourth finger distal interphalangeal joint was denied as clearly erroneous.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, but his claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder as secondary to the right hip disorder was granted.,The effective date for the temporary total rating based on convalescence following right total hip replacement is being considered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and anxiety. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further evaluation is needed.

The Veteran's death is not due to service-connected conditions, and the Board has ordered a remand for further development.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, due to insufficient medical evidence resolving the issue. The Veteran's representative requested a new VA examination to address the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia, and Major Depression, was granted. The claim for service connection for COPD is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, finding that there was no medical nexus between his current psychiatric disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary Major Depressive Disorder was increased to a 50% rating, effective December 29, 2010. An earlier effective date of May 9, 1996 for the grant of service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and for further development regarding an earlier effective date claim.

The Board denied reopening of the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include major depressive disorder and allergic rhinitis due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to March 29, 2017 and at 70 percent thereafter. The Board found the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, finding that metastatic prostate cancer was the primary cause and there was no evidence linking it to service. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a medical opinion regarding his CVA. The AOJ should also provide notice of the laws and regulations governing reopening claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claims for a lumbar spine condition and depression, but has remanded them for further development including obtaining VA examinations to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and the need for a new psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's spouse is seeking special monthly compensation for aid and attendance allowance. The claim must be remanded due to the need for additional medical records from SSA and a VA examination.