Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms warrant a higher rating of 50 percent due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the severity of her PTSD has potentially worsened since it was last evaluated six years ago and therefore requires another examination to assess her claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.,The Veteran's freestanding claim for an earlier effective date prior to May 5, 1994, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to conflicting diagnoses and a need for further evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, including symptoms of depression and alcohol dependence. The Board finds that the criteria for secondary service connection are met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination. The issues on appeal are related to his depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right hip iliotibial band syndrome.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to November 13, 2015.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service personnel records and any outstanding VA treatment records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a higher rating for PTSD, service connection for a left ankle disability, and TDIU. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of total social impairment or an injury related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is now rated at 70 percent since June 14, 2016, due to aggravation by his service-connected headache disorder. The TDIU and housebound status claims are also granted.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent effective May 1, 2013. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for PTSD, and his current psychiatric disability is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for her acquired psychiatric disorder prior to March 17, 2014 was denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable disability rating for her stress fractures of the lower extremities and TDIU or SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than anxiety with depressive disorder and PTSD. The claim of new and material evidence was granted, but the main issue of service connection remains denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability was granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective April 3, 2017. The IBS issue remains unresolved and is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA psychiatric examination and issuance of an SOC addressing the issue of initial increased rating for PTSD disability. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse and eating disorder will be readjudicated based on the additional evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition existed prior to service. The Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are linked to his in-service sexual abuse by priests.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for depression. The Veteran's current depression is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar posterior calcaneal spurs was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and various lower extremity conditions are all granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has established a current disability, in-service noise exposure, and continuity of symptoms.