Depression Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder warrants a rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeals are based on three different rating decisions. The Board is remanding the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing to address his claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and updated medical records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of entitlement to service connection for a breathing disorder, claimed as shortness of breath due to asbestos exposure. The Board dismissed this issue.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were not sufficiently severe prior to October 27, 2014, to render him unemployable. The evidence showed he was able to perform sedentary work due to both his service-connected and non-service connected conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active duty service as a member of the Honor Guard, and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, which grants a higher rating than the current evaluation of 30 percent.

The Veteran seeks service connection for depression, which he attributes to his service-connected right knee disability. The Board has ordered a new VA examination and opinion to determine if the Veteran had a mental health disability at any point during the appeals period that was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's back disability is found to be at least as likely as not related to his active service. The acquired psychiatric disorders are also found to be related to his service, with PTSD being diagnosed based on a stressor during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding his depressive disorder claim. The right knee and left ankle disabilities will be evaluated again to determine their current severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not file a timely substantive appeal regarding his claims for service connection for depression, PTSD, and a lumbar spine disability. As such, these appeals are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected psychiatric disability, hallux valgus of the feet, tendonitis of the knees, and pes planus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to her military service, and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, diagnosed as depressive disorder NOS, is related to her military sexual trauma in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was rated at 30 percent from March 31, 2009 to March 20, 2012. The rating has been granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the Veteran's remaining claims on appeal can be decided.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are insufficient to decide the claim and has ordered a new examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, need to be evaluated in detail.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development due to the oldness of his VA examination records.

The Veteran's cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. He was also granted TDIU and an increased rating for headaches.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.