Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder are granted a 50 percent rating prior to May 19, 2010. The heart disability claim is denied. Gastritis is granted with a 50 percent rating. Hydronephrosis remains at a 10 percent rating. Bilateral orchitis and epididymitis do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder NOS is rated at 50 percent, but no higher. The Board has also remanded several other issues including service connection for sensorineural hearing loss in both ears, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of major depressive disorder was received on June 19, 2013. The Board has granted an effective date of June 19, 2013, based on the Veteran's credible account and evidence that his original claim was submitted in June 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cognitive and/or acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current bipolar disorder, type II, to disease or injury in service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support other diagnoses such as major depression/depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, or ADHD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea. Diabetes mellitus is now considered service-connected as secondary to herbicide exposure. The psychiatric claim has also been reopened.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and for a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to service or secondary to his service-connected cold injury residuals.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of more than 30 percent since March 28, 1997, for persistent depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder is remanded. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with other specified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to his symptoms being consistent with a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for PTSD with major depressive disorder, and his TDIU prior to March 7, 2015, is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a statement of the case on his claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and depression.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's neurobehavioral effects are related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. He also received a TDIU and SMC.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is at least as likely as not related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and major depressive disorder have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, as he has difficulty interacting with others in a work setting.

The Board has determined that new evidence received since the last statement of the case shows a worsening of symptoms and remands the case for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims of bilateral hearing loss, horizontal surgical scars to the anterior neck, above the suprasternal notch, residuals of thyroid cancer, status post (s/p) total thyroidectomy, and major depressive disorder for new VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also referred back to the RO.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in an October 2007 rating decision. The denial became final, and the Veteran did not appeal it. A March 2013 claim for depression led to a grant of service connection for depression effective March 26, 2013. Therefore, an earlier effective date for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder have been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective May 29, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms warranted this rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an earlier effective date of July 9, 2003, for service connection of Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety. The issues related to left elbow internal derangement and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.