Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are currently rated at 70 percent prior to September 16, 2014, and from February 1, 2015 to May 1, 2016. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating during these periods.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nexus between the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and his military service. The Veteran is requested to undergo a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disability, including depression, is attributable to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder NOS, depressive disorder NOS, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The issue of entitlement to service connection for a neck disability was also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hip disability, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, pelvic disability, headaches, and depression. The decision also remanded issues related to a rating increase for epilepsy and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, and sarcoidosis due to potential issues with the evidence provided. The Veteran's mental health conditions are being reviewed further by an addendum opinion, while his sarcoidosis is being evaluated again to determine if it was misdiagnosed during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent throughout the appeal period. The Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, due to a finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition did not worsen during her military service.

The Veteran was found unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities from October 1, 2010 to June 24, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but not for bilateral hearing loss or PTSD with major depressive disorder.,An effective date prior to September 25, 2007 for service connection of PTSD with major depressive disorder is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, a neck condition, and TBI. The Veteran's PTSD is linked to his military service, the neck condition is presumed due to head trauma during service, and the TBI was caused by an incident in 1990.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 2, 2016. Therefore, the Board has granted entitlement to Total Disability Retirement based on Unemployability (TDIU) prior to that date.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, manic depression, and bipolar disorder due to new and material evidence. The claim is now remanded for a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and headaches, both related to the Veteran's active service. The decision is based on secondary service connection as the disorders are linked to a pre-existing condition (depression).

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychotic disorder and depression associated with his service-connected TBI and migraines is remanded due to the need for an examination to determine if his migraines have caused or aggravated his psychiatric conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and denied the Veteran's request for an increased rating for his major depressive disorder. The Veteran's right knee condition was not found to be related to service, and his major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent disabling.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, currently characterized as social anxiety disorder with recurrent major depressive disorder. The effective date for the grant of a 70 percent rating is fixed based on factual findings and cannot be earlier than October 26, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 20, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder with anxiety and mood swings due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant is being remanded due to the need for further medical evaluation regarding his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete development of evidence.