Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral flat feet (claimed as ankle condition) has been reopened and granted. The claims for hypertension, hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, and sarcoidosis have all been denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder and anxiety is denied. The Board finds that the award was based on a reopened claim after final disallowance, and therefore, the earliest possible effective date is July 5, 2005.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically whether it is related to service-connected residuals of frostbite of the hands.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder and remanded the issue of an earlier effective date for the right knee meniscus tear, status post-surgery.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress features is granted as secondary to his service-connected back disorder. The rating for the back disorder remains at 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder was denied. The appeals for service connection for left ankle condition and bilateral foot disability, as well as the TDIU claim prior to June 29, 2017, are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and lumbar spine disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 19, 2011. The effective date for the award of TDIU is set at December 19, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal of his petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a right foot disability was dismissed due to his withdrawal. The claims for hepatitis, depression, PTSD, left foot disability, right hand disability, left hand disability, right knee disability, right hip disability, and right leg disability are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The appeal has been denied as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not properly adjudicated due to procedural issues and remands them for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information about the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric condition, including whether it pre-existed service or was aggravated by service. The Veteran's mental health records need to be obtained and an examination is required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from November 17, 2010, to December 12, 2012. The Board granted TDIU based on the combined impact of multiple joint disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD is granted with an initial rating of 30 percent, but no higher.,VA examinations are needed to assess the severity of his cervical strain and right ankle disorder due to lack of information regarding functional limitations during flare-ups. The VA examiner must also provide opinions on whether these disorders are related to service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's bilateral knee disorder and major depressive disorder need further evaluation by a VA examiner to determine their etiology and relationship to service-connected conditions.,VA examinations are needed to assess the nature of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including its relation to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the appeal for further development and examination regarding service connection claims, including those related to heart disability, psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD), left inguinal hernia, post aortofemoral bypass residuals, right inguinal hernia, and TDIU. The Veteran's lay statements about exposure to chemicals during National Guard service are also being addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was reopened and granted. Service connection for headaches, tinnitus, and high blood pressure/hypertension were also granted. The claims for sleep apnea and heart disorder were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's depression is related to his service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his major depressive disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal prior to any decision being made.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression is rated at 70 percent prior to June 29, 2017. The appeal for a higher rating has been granted.

The Veteran's left groin scar is granted as secondary to her service-connected left knee internal derangement and left femoral neuropathy. The appeal for higher ratings on other conditions remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any mental health disorder, including PTSD.