Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease and unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder, have been granted. The remaining issues are either denied or remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension due to potential issues with evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's depression resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but did not cause total occupational and social impairment. The Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 20, 2011.

The Board has found sufficient evidence to corroborate the Veteran's assertions of sexual assault in service. However, there is no current opinion regarding the relationship between this experience and her current mental health disabilities. A VA examination is necessary on remand.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are rated at 30% prior to October 25, 2016, but a 70% rating is granted from that date. The Veteran's myocardial infarction (claimed as ischemic heart disease due to exposure to Agent Orange) is currently rated at 60%. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.,The Veteran meets the minimum requirements for a TDIU, with combined service-connected disabilities of 70% from August 1, 2013.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining missing documents and private treatment records. The Veteran is also asked to submit any additional medical evidence related to his sleep apnea disorder.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease prior to February 5, 2016 was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,A higher disability rating of 30 percent was granted for ischemic heart disease from February 5, 2016. However, this decision is also being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected mechanical low back pain with degenerative changes and major depressive disorder have been granted increased ratings of 40 percent and 70 percent, respectively.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for chronic sinusitis and a higher rating for unspecified depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are being remanded for further evaluation due to the inadequacy of the January 2016 VA examination and the need for updated treatment records.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse is granted. The Board also found that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his service in the Gulf War.

The Board has found that the Veteran's son, D.F.B., was permanently incapable of self-support prior to attaining the age of 18 due to psychiatric and behavioral disabilities. The case involving J.W.B. is remanded as his length of incarceration and sentence details are unclear.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection has been granted. The left knee scars are rated at 10 percent, right knee arthritis is rated at 10 percent, and the Veteran was granted new and material evidence to reopen his claims for service connection of various conditions including PTSD, depressive disorder, sleep apnea, gastritis, GERD, and others.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain and higher initial ratings for unspecified depressive disorder (previously characterized as adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood) has been dismissed due to the withdrawal request by the Veteran’s attorney.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depression is granted. A rating in excess of 20 percent for a low back disability is denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MST. The issues include service connection, pre-existing condition aggravation, in-service onset of a psychiatric disorder, administrative separation recommendation causality, and hospitalization causality.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depression with impulse control disorder is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's other trauma and stressor related disorder, major depressive disorder, and insomnia are all granted as service connected. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is denied due to lack of in-service onset or continuity.