Depression Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are due to a personality disorder and substance abuse, not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee disabilities and a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders have been dismissed. The Veteran withdrew these claims in February 2018, and the Board finds that he did so with full understanding of the consequences.

The Veteran's claim for eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, he does not meet the eligibility requirements as his eye disability is not severe enough to qualify him under the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.808. The Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant are also denied due to lack of qualifying disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, was rated at 50% prior to January 29, 2015. The Board granted a higher rating of 70% effective from the date of remand (January 29, 2015).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder and major depression, was dismissed due to the Veteran's death prior to a final decision.

Service connection is granted for bilateral knee arthritis, low back disorder, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, cervical spine degenerative disc and joint disease, cervical radiculopathy (right upper and left upper extremities), acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected right knee disabilities.,Service connection is granted for osteoporosis, deviated nasal septum, rhinitis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), left lower extremity patellar dysfunction, right tibia-fibula fracture residuals, right foot pes cavus deformity, right iliac crest, right lateral lower knee, and right medial knee scar, total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and service connection is remanded for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% disability rating from September 27, 2010 to October 1, 2012. The issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is moot as the Veteran no longer meets the criteria for TDIU due to his current service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for costochondritis with soft tissue mass was denied as the disability is already rated at its maximum. The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including costochondritis and depressive disorder, was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's credible account of an in-service personal assault is sufficient to establish a diagnosis and link between his current symptoms and the stressor. The Board also found support for other acquired psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorder and depressive disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for a right eye disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression), and hypertension due to incomplete records and inadequate examinations. The Veteran's medical records are missing, including those from over 35 years ago. Additionally, the VA examinations were found to be insufficient.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depression, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The claims are being remanded to attempt verification of in-service stressors, conduct a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any PTSD, and consider other acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his honorable periods of service and for health care under Chapter 17, Title 38, United States Code.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral foot disability, bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The evidence submitted since the last denial was found to be cumulative and not new or material.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and service.

The Board granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and denied it for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's ED, MDD with anxiety, and brain atrophy are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of a sleep disorder, to include obstructive sleep apnea. The initial disability rating for lumbar strain was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to June 25, 2014 and granted at 10 percent thereafter. A compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae of the face was also denied. The Veteran's PTSD with depression received an initial disability rating of 50 percent but no higher.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and clarification of records, including treatment notes from Dr. A related to the Veteran's depression. The issue of service connection for depression is also being remanded as no statement of the case (SOC) was issued in response to the Veteran's notice of disagreement.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for sleep apnea, migraine headaches, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension. The left inguinal hernia claim is also remanded.