Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD with associated depression is rated at the highest possible disability rating of 100 percent, effective November 25, 2009. The ratings for weakness of the right lower extremity and upper extremity due to CVA are both 10 percent, while weakness of the right side of face is rated as 10 percent. SMC based on need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was initially rated at 30 percent prior to December 8, 2005.,A TDIU claim for the period prior to February 24, 2014 is moot due to the grant of a 100 percent rating for PTSD effective from that date.

The claim for PTSD has been denied as there is no verified stressor event in service. The claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including depression and bipolar disorder, was reopened but remains denied due to lack of evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including depression and anxiety, are related to his service. The presumption of soundness applies due to a pre-existing condition at entry into service, but the evidence does not clearly and unmistakably show that this condition was aggravated during service.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU rating from April 8, 2005 to April 1, 2016 based on his service-connected PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.,A separate issue of entitlement to a TDIU rating from April 1, 2016 is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's appeal was denied. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and tinnitus were addressed. The reduction in the rating for hearing loss from 50% to 20% was found to be proper.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to appear at a scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for a painful laceration on the top of the head, tinnitus, and depressive disorder with PTSD, and service connection for headaches prior to certification of the appeal to the Board. The claim for an initial compensable rating for oligozoospermia is pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and for further development, including a psychiatric opinion regarding service connection.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected schizoaffective disorder and major depressive disorder with psychotic features, as well as his TDIU claim, was granted. The psychiatric disability is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is due to his in-service military stressors and the Board finds that service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for an Aid and Attendance examination to assess his need for regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, PTSD, and anxiety.

The Board has remanded both issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and depression due to in-service events, as there is insufficient medical evidence to make a decision on these matters.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for examinations to determine the severity of his lumbar disc disease, depressive disorder, and pes planus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea and depression NOS had their onset in service and are therefore granted service connection.

The Board has reopened the claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding new and material evidence. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as it was found that a current diagnosis of major depressive disorder was incurred during military service. Service connection for PTSD is not established.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for depression and hypertension, finding no in-service onset or relationship to service. The Veteran's appeal was based on reopening of previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD.