Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder is rated at 70 percent since March 1, 2008. The effective date remains June 25, 2001.

The Veteran's PTSD, prior to April 15, 2013, and as of June 1, 2013, is rated at 30 percent disabling. The Board found that the severity of her psychiatric symptoms more nearly approximated a rating based on occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions in a previous VA examination regarding the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder. The examiner was asked to provide more detailed information on the symptoms associated with these conditions, particularly those related to hallucinations and suicidal ideations.

The Board has denied service connection for hepatitis C due to the Veteran's willful misconduct. The rating for tinnitus remains at 10 percent, as it is already the maximum allowed under VA regulations. The psychiatric disorder claim and hearing loss rating are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is denied. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, anxiety disorder (including depression), and Parkinson's disease were all granted. The Veteran was awarded a disability rating of 50 percent for his anxiety disorder, effective July 22, 2013. However, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no further action can be taken on this case.

The Board has decided that a new examination and opinion are needed to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder has caused occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, but not resulting in total occupational and social impairment. A disability rating of 70 percent for MDD is granted.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar disc diseases are each rated at 20 percent, effective June 5, 2012. The radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities is also rated at 20 percent, effective June 5, 2012.,PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent, effective throughout the duration of the appeal.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his service and service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of June 24, 2013 due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board granted TDIU on an extraschedular basis from that date.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a bilateral eye disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis related to either eye and no evidence of an in-service event or injury. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosed disability of either eye.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is denied as there is no evidence of limitation of motion, muscle spasm, or abnormal gait/seated posture resulting from this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Fournier's Gangrene, which resulted from a prostate examination, may have been a reasonably foreseeable result of the procedure. However, further medical opinion is needed to determine if it was at least as likely as not that this condition developed due to the examination and whether it should be considered a reasonable risk.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's TDIU claim due to incomplete development and potential new evidence. The mental health claim is also inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim, so it will be deferred until adjudicated.

The Veteran's back brace caused wear and tear on his clothing, leading to a clothing allowance for 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a back disability is granted. Service connection for left hip, right hip, and peripheral vascular disease are denied as secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the original grant of service connection for mood disorder was not based on clear and unmistakable error, thus restoring service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder.