Depression Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD with depressive disorder and coronary artery disease, finding that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine appropriate disability ratings.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent from June 12, 2014. This rating is granted based on the severity of symptoms such as panic attacks, impaired impulse control, and difficulty in establishing effective relationships.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the establishment of service connection for PTSD is granted. The motion seeking revision of a November 2004 rating decision on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) is dismissed as moot. The appeal for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for PTSD prior to August 2, 2010 and for Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) benefits is remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, liver disease, spleen disorder, and alcohol abuse due to lack of medical evidence in the claims file.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and treatment records.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for migraine headaches, cervical spine injury, thoracic spine injury, and heat stroke residuals. The issues of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral shoulder condition, bilateral hip condition, bilateral foot condition, chronic fatigue syndrome, lung and chest pain/condition, and sleep apnea are also remanded.

The Veteran's ratings for his right shoulder disorder and PTSD are being remanded due to insufficient evidence of current severity.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was aggravated during his second period of active duty service. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence review.

The Board denied service connection for a right hip disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo (dizziness) has been granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches/migraines, depressive disorder with anxious distress and alcohol use disorder features (to include as secondary to service-connected degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine), and denied service connection for insomnia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claims of service connection for multiple joint pain, a cervical spine disability, chronic fatigue, major depressive disorder/anxiety disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The Board found that while there was no direct evidence linking the injury to his active duty service, the Veteran has provided credible testimony regarding an in-service incident where a generator door fell on him during a Scud missile attack.,The claims of service connection for chronic fatigue and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded as new and material evidence was received.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at the maximum allowable under current criteria, but her pain scar is not compensable.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with HIV and Hepatitis C more than two decades after separation from service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his service-connected left shoulder and arm disabilities, and the claim for service connection secondary to these conditions is granted.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, neck condition, and right hip condition is denied.,Service connection for depressive disorder is dismissed due to a grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected heart condition and other disabilities have affected his ability to work, leading him to retire early in 2006. The Board finds that the Veteran may be unemployable due to his service-connected heart condition prior to January 2008.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and PTSD due to inadequate VA examination in August 2017. The Veteran is diagnosed with PTSD, major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and adjustment disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, has been reopened. The case is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the diagnosis of PTSD and a need for further development related to the in-service personal assault.