Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of depression associated with lumbar strain was granted. His gastritis, claimed as stomach condition and reflux associated with lumbar strain, is now rated at 40% from May 21, 2014, and the earlier effective date for this rating is being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted. The Veteran now has a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD, which is considered new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and requests for verification of his military service.

The Veteran's son, E.B., IV, was not found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to the age of 18 due to his disabilities. The evidence showed he could perform daily activities and had obtained a GED.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and higher-level SMC were dismissed. The appeal seeking service connection for right elbow disability, left elbow disability, cervical strain, lumbar strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), increased ratings for cervical strain, lumbar strain, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as service connection for right shoulder disability and left shoulder disability were all dismissed. The Veteran's claim for a total (100 percent) disability rating for PTSD was granted with an effective date of December 10, 2011.,The Veteran’s appeals for increased ratings for cervical strain, lumbar strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were remanded. The appeal seeking service connection for a right shoulder disability was also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for several issues, including an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for anxiety disorder NOS and depressive disorder NOS, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for ischemic heart disease, and a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The missing November 2013 VA examination report is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity disability, finding that his depression is related to stressors including his ongoing medical issues from his in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his active service, but additional evidence is needed for other conditions. The Veteran will need to provide updated treatment records and undergo a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for depression and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran was granted a 70% rating for MDD, effective from the date of decision. A TDIU rating was granted from August 25, 2011 forward.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety and panic attacks is found to be secondary to his service-connected peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities. Service connection for emboli to both lungs, post-phlebitic syndrome with peripheral vascular disease of the left and right lower extremities, and heart condition (cardiomegaly) are all granted. The Veteran's back disability and sleep apnea claims remain denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but denied the claim itself due to lack of evidence linking any current psychiatric condition to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and an addendum opinion regarding service connection for heat stroke, acquired psychiatric disability including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, and right foot disability.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and remanded the issue of service connection for chronic headaches.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating of major depressive disorder before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia and denied service connection for sleep apnea. The claim for depression is remanded as the VA examination was inadequate.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition and Type II diabetes mellitus are granted service connection, but the TDIU claim is remanded.

The claim to reopen the previously denied psychiatric disability claim is granted. The Board finds that remand is necessary for further development and examination regarding both the psychiatric disability and sleep apnea claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner is required to determine if any diagnosed disorders are related to in-service stressors and other reported stressors.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional treatment records and updates.