Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's major depression disability was manifested by symptoms consistent with a 50 percent evaluation prior to January 18, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an adequate VA opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to PTSD and issuing a supplemental statement of the appeal (SSOC) addressing the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with major depression, was rated at 30 percent disabling from February 17, 1983 to November 6, 2000.

The Veteran's claims for evaluations of his psychiatric disorders, lumbar strain, right ring and little finger degenerative joint disease, left shoulder tendonitis, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left ankle strain, and left foot plantar fasciitis from February 1, 2010 to September 6, 2011 were denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder is granted, with an initial disability rating of 70 percent effective from the date of service connection.

The Board has determined that a remand is required to ensure the Veteran's claims for service connection are evaluated using the correct diagnostic criteria and to obtain any necessary medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board is remanding the claims of service connection for ED, a left wrist condition, a left ankle condition, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric condition (including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression) due to their interrelated nature. The claim of service connection for hypertension is also being remanded as it may be related to the Veteran's service.

The Veteran does not have a permanent total service-connected disability, and therefore does not meet the criteria for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35 of Title 38 U.S.C.A.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be service-connected due to noise exposure during active duty. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder and IHD are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from September 15, 2010 to July 24, 2015. The appeal for service connection for pancreatitis has been withdrawn. A TDIU claim is pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and dysthymic disorder, as well as a claim for TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for her major depressive disorder with anxiety and TDIU was denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as she did not demonstrate symptoms consistent with a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected cerebrovascular accident with dementia and depression resulted in total occupational and social impairment from January 1, 2011 to March 19, 2012.

The Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found that the in-service stressors could not be verified.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and COPD are denied as the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for depressive disorder prior to June 7, 2013, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her service treatment records, specifically from the Oakland Naval Regional Medical Center and Tripler Army Hospital. The AOJ will conduct a thorough search for these records and provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizo-affective disorder, neurotic depression, and depressive disorder, is presumed to have first manifested during service.