Depression Board decisions

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder. The claim for service connection for nerve damage to the bilateral upper extremities is also granted. The decision does not specify any effective date.

The Veteran's MDD has been rated at 70 percent since October 1, 2012. The Board found that she is entitled to a TDIU due to her service-connected MDD and special monthly compensation (SMC) under section 1114(s).

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military sexual trauma. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and the evidence does not establish an in-service stressor sufficient to support such a diagnosis.,While the Veteran has been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, there is no established service connection for this condition as it was not incurred during his military service.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 13, 2004 for the service connection of major depressive disorder with associated irritability and tension as secondary to thoracolumbar disc and joint disease. The effective date for left lower extremity radiculopathy is set at August 20, 2010.

The Board has requested a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service or secondary to his already service-connected back disability. The current VA examinations are inadequate and need to be supplemented with an opinion regarding the stressors of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address service connection claims, including those related to an acquired psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for an initial rating higher than 60 percent for urinary incontinence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral elbow disorder, and bilateral knee disorder. The evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including verification of service stressors and a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's mental conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to attend scheduled VA examinations and the need for additional examination and opinion regarding his service-connected conditions, as well as a new VA examination to assess any current respiratory disability. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, psychosis, and personality disorder is being remanded due to the need for an adequate examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea was likely incurred during his active service. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, depression disability, left ventricular hypertrophy disability, and hypertension disabilities is granted.

For the period from January 16, 2013 to January 20, 2016, the Veteran is rated at 50% for migraine headaches with Migraine Variants.,Beginning on January 21, 2016, the Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50%

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and verifying dates of service. The appeal will be referred to the AOJ for appropriate action.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, diagnosed as depressive disorder and PTSD, are related to his military service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and insomnia was granted a disability rating of 70 percent, effective June 27, 2012. She also received TDIU based on her service-connected PTSD alone and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depression has been granted. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met, given his combat experience and diagnosed PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a mental disorders examination.