Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete development and the need for an updated VA Form 21-8940, as well as a new addendum opinion regarding his occupational functioning. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the PTSD rating issue.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is granted service connection as a qualifying chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness. Service connection for depression secondary to IBS is pending.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 15, 2005, for the award of service connection for a depressive disorder and alcohol abuse is dismissed. The Board has also granted entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing as requested by the Veteran's representative.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II and denied the remaining claims. Diabetes mellitus is presumed to be related to in-service herbicide exposure, while the other conditions are not supported by evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, increased rating for left wrist and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, increased rating for radiculopathy of the lower extremities, TDIU, earlier effective dates for ratings and SMC. The decision also found that the reduction in the rating for the thoracolumbar spine was improper.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was granted with an effective date of September 18, 2013. The grant of SMC based on housebound status also had an effective date of September 18, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including other trauma and stressor-related disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder, are related to his military service. However, PTSD is not found to be present as a result of service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder were rated at 30 percent prior to September 1, 2015, and increased to 50 percent thereafter. The claim for TDIU was also granted.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other disorders such as depressive disorder and adjustment disorder. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to pending appeals for increased evaluations and service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for left wrist fracture residuals, Peyronie's Disease, and urinary incontinence as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The claim of entitlement to service connection for depression was reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities of GERD, depressive disorder, and a heart disability, is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinion.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder with anxiety, are found to be related to an in-service personal assault. The left knee disorder is also service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and service personnel records. A sleep apnea examination will be conducted to determine if the condition began in service or is related to service. An acquired psychiatric disorder examination will also be conducted to determine if any current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected major depressive disorder. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service stressor.