Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, as his symptoms do not cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. Service connection is also granted for these conditions as they are found to be related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence being added to the record after a Substantive Appeal was filed. The VA treatment records are relevant and must be considered in an SSOC.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was granted. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was denied. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, linked to PTSD, was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 50 percent prior to July 30, 2014. From April 8, 2016, a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted. The appeal regarding the rating of PTSD and major depressive disorder, as well as the TDIU prior to July 12, 2017, is being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the inextricability of his acquired psychiatric disorder with other conditions. The VA will need to determine if these secondary conditions are related to his service-connected condition or another diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for service-connected major depressive disorder and for TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and determine if SSA disability records should be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for hepatitis C and service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to his hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Board denied service connection for a low back condition, right knee osteoarthritis (OA), bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and depression. The Veteran's current disabilities were not shown to have been incurred during or aggravated by active duty service.,An effective date earlier than August 30, 2013, for the award of service connection for tinnitus was denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with symptoms of anxious distress and psychotic features is granted a rating of 100 percent from January 17, 2012 to March 23, 2015. The Veteran's mild chest muscle strain (claimed as inflammation of rib cage) is denied. An effective date of January 17, 2012 for Dependents' Education Assistance benefits is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran needs to provide more details about his stressors and undergo medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorders and the severity of his diabetes.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and social phobia, is not service-connected as his skin disability does not cause or aggravate these conditions. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of her claim. Service connection for a low back disability is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and the case is remanded to obtain a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for a new VA mental health evaluation to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including depression and anxiety disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating for PTSD, as well as the claim for TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for additional examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is related to his experiences in service or his service-connected kidney condition. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected anxiety and depressive disorder is being remanded due to changes in his condition since the last examination. A new VA examination will be conducted to assess the current severity of his psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's stepdaughter Y. is denied as she did not become permanently incapable of self-support prior to her 18th birthday.