Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (panic disorder with depression, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss) may result in unemployability. The VA has not yet properly developed the TDIU claim by obtaining SSA records and completing a VA Form 21-4192 from his former employers.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claims for PTSD with depression and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine are no longer before the Board.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is caused by his service-connected lower back condition and/or depressive disorder, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current mood/depressive disorder, NOS, did not have its onset during service or is otherwise due to a disease or injury during active military service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and anxiety disability have not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for major depressive disorder, memory loss, heart disability, and sleep disorder has also been denied.,There is no service connection granted for any condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder has been rated at 70 percent, which is the highest rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. This reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining updated treatment records. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. �1151 are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, with a focus on whether any symptoms were present during the first period of service or if they are related to the second period of service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including depression, diabetes mellitus with nephropathy and erectile dysfunction, left lower leg neuropathy, and right lower leg neuropathy. The issues are about increased ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and left ear hearing loss do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is found to be related to her service. Her migraine headaches are also found to have started during service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining military personnel records and VA treatment records, and for a new VA psychiatric examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a more comprehensive VA examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 70 percent since April 12, 2011. The symptoms have included deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with depression was initially rated at 50 percent prior to May 10, 2016.,Since May 10, 2016, the Veteran has been assigned a 70 percent rating for his service-connected anxiety disorder with depression.

The Veteran's service-connected mental disorder did not render him in need of regular aid and attendance prior to July 26, 2013. As a result, the effective date for SMC at the R-1 rate is denied.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for depression, effective July 18, 2008. The Veteran's appeal was limited to the issue of a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including left knee, cervical spine, psychiatric, and stomach surgery disabilities. The Board finds that these conditions are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.