Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his cervical spine condition and anxiety and depression, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right and left ankle disabilities, and TDIU are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to appear for scheduled VA examinations. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence and a proper examination.

The Board found no evidence of a current psychiatric disability related to service, and the Veteran's claimed disorders are more likely due to his substance abuse issues rather than military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The Board also granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection, and the respiratory disorder claim is remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's headache disorder is found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected tinnitus. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus secondary to the Veteran's service-connected TBI residuals. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently under development.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all issues on appeal, including service connection for heart disability, hearing loss, anxiety, depression, special monthly pension based on being housebound, and nonservice-connected pension.

The Veteran is seeking a higher initial rating than 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that the current VA examination report does not accurately reflect the severity of his symptoms and remanded the case to afford him an opportunity for a new examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The decision found that there was no evidence of current tinnitus during or after service, and that any current psychiatric disorders are not related to service.

The Board finds that the reductions of the Veteran's disability ratings for depression and chronic prostatitis were not warranted as there is no evidence showing sustained material improvement under ordinary conditions of life.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a new VA examination of his psychiatric disorder. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD were not incurred in service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and panic disorder. The Board found that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), was rated at 50 percent prior to September 16, 2015, and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The claim for TDIU is granted from February 9, 2003, forward.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and PTSD have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder and finds that a current disability is related to active service. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are not service connected.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been granted service connection. The initial rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia was increased to 30 percent but the appeal is denied for a higher rating. Service connection for skin disability (tinea pedis of the feet, dermatitis and eczema of hands and arms) has been granted but not at a higher than 10 percent level.