Depression Board decisions

The Veteran is entitled to reimbursement of $3,200 for bathroom remodeling under the Independent Living Services Program (ILLP) as part of her Vocational Rehabilitation plan. The HISA grant was approved and paid by VA, allowing the Veteran to independently shower.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for depressive disorder and left knee degenerative joint disease, as well as his claim for TDIU, are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The AOJ will schedule the Veteran for additional examinations and readjudicate the claims.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded the issues of increased disability ratings for foot hallux valgus, entitlement to a temporary total disability rating, and TDIU for additional development.

The Veteran's symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia are attributed to her service-connected fibromyalgia. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as the claimed conditions are not due to undiagnosed illness or other qualifying chronic disability. The claim for bilateral hand tremors remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling for the period beginning April 6, 2010, to October 30, 2013. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as difficulty establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development and consideration of his claims, including whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim for service connection for headaches.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective February 20, 2015. The Veteran is also service-connected for depressive disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and granted it. The Veteran is also entitled to a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disabilities are related to active service, including mental health treatment during service, and/or diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, he needs a VA examination to assess whether his bilateral hand disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has not been productive of more than occupational and social impact with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new psychiatric examination. The Veteran's reports of depression beginning in service will be evaluated, along with any supporting evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since April 7, 2010. The rating was increased to 100 percent effective January 10, 2013.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for major depression remains denied as there is no credible evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD with major depressive disorder and its impact on employment. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD and bilateral hearing loss have been granted increased ratings of 50 percent effective April 1, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to issues with communication and the need for a hearing. The claim includes service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, PTSD, and substance abuse.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, and carpal tunnel syndrome (left and right hands) has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating for service-connected depressive disorder have been met since January 9, 2013, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorders first manifested in service or are otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's back disorder is service-connected, but his bilateral knee disorders and breathing problems are not.,His left elbow disorder was resolved in-service. His acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression) secondary to migraines is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates have been denied as the earliest date of receipt of a claim is not prior to the assigned effective dates.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee Osgood-Schlatter disease and an acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder and depressive disorder) as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence that these conditions preexisted service or were aggravated by service, and the medical evidence did not support a finding of a direct relationship to service.