Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that an increased rating to a higher disability rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder with major depression and PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment prior to July 1, 2005. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for the period from August 24, 2004 to July 1, 2005.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for updated medical records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, and for a supplemental comment from the May 2015 VA examiner regarding the severity of his service-connected dyshidrotic eczema.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional VA examinations and records, particularly regarding his claimed psychiatric disorders, left foot disorder, cervical spine disorder, and thoracolumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, thinking, and mood.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to January 11, 2012 is granted.,The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of coronary artery disease is granted and rated at 60 percent.,The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD with a depressive disorder is granted and rated at 50 percent.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the service connection claims for diabetes mellitus and eye disorder manifested by loss of sight, and these claims are reopened.,New and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the service connection claims for diabetes mellitus and eye disorder manifested by loss of sight, and these claims are reopened.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bradycardia is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left renal cyst is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, requesting Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and providing the Veteran with a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder, anxiety, depression, and other mental disorder is September 8, 2011. The Veteran's claim was received on this date, which is later than when he had been diagnosed with these conditions.

The Board has determined that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, and major depressive disorder is granted due to the Veteran's credible testimony regarding her in-service sexual assault stressor. The evidence supports a finding of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The claims of service connection for schizophrenia, depression, and headaches are also being reconsidered.

The Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's MDD is currently rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. However, she meets the requirements for TDIU due to her service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran has been found unemployable due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions to address whether the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder was a contributing cause of his death.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent, effective from November 14, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant records and provide a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current low back disorder.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be the result of or proximately due to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that recovery of the overpayment in the amount of $31,525.27 is against equity and good conscience due to the Veteran's financial hardship and because considering his spouse's income would defeat the purpose of the VA pension program.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his depressive disorder is not related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for psychiatric disability is denied.