Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is denied as there is no evidence showing a link between his in-service symptoms and the current condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence of prostrating attacks for migraine headaches, ankylosis in the right thumb, or limitation of motion in the right index finger.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board finds a remand necessary for an additional VA examination to determine the current level of severity of all impairment resulting from his service-connected PTSD, including distinguishing symptoms due to nonservice-connected depressive disorder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for a back disability and a psychiatric disability, including depression. The reopened claims are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded the case due to the need for an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. An initial 30 percent rating, but no higher, is granted for PTSD with major depression prior to October 19, 2016. The case is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD from October 19, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected major depression has rendered him unable to follow substantially gainful employment since November 27, 2012. The Board granted an earlier effective date of this TDIU from that date.

The Board has determined that the previous VA examination is inadequate due to the Veteran's testimony regarding continuity of depressive symptoms since service and self-medication. The case is REMANDED for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner or another appropriate examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of service dates and obtaining treatment records. The claims will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Veteran's major depression is currently rated at 50 percent, warranting a higher rating as of June 1, 2014. The left knee disorder remains non-compensable.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, needs further examination and review. The claims file does not contain sufficient information about his other diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's claim of increased rating for depressive disorder with psychotic features and PTSD is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining treatment records.

The Veteran's depression has been rated at 30 percent since January 2014. The Board found the current rating of 30 percent to be appropriate based on symptoms such as depressed mood, anhedonia, and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions and their relationship to his military service. A VA examination is needed to diagnose any current mental disabilities and provide an opinion on whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's MDD with mixed features is rated at 70 percent from December 20, 2011, to February 18, 2013, and since May 1, 2013. A TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a combined effects medical opinion regarding his service-connected disabilities prior to July 23, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his private psychiatric treatment records and SSA disability benefits records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and examinations, as his symptoms have worsened since previous evaluations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded in conjunction with the increased evaluation claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that there is no credible evidence to support the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressors.