Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder have been characterized by total occupational and social impairment since December 2006, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim at this time.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of SSA disability determination and information.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disorder or right foot disorder, and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied. The claims for dental trauma, lead paint poisoning, gout of bilateral legs, skin disorder due to Agent Orange exposure, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's jaw disability is not related to service, and his PTSD with depressive disorder warrants a 30 percent initial evaluation prior to August 9, 2012, but no higher. From that date, the Veteran's condition does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and the need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's back condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all remaining issues.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder, is currently rated at 50 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, was denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current psychiatric disability to her military service or any in-service event. Her hearing loss was rated as noncompensable prior to October 9, 2010; from October 9, 2010 to June 3, 2014, it was rated at 20 percent; and thereafter, it was rated at 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his service for bilateral hearing loss, and there is insufficient evidence linking any diagnosed eye conditions or psychiatric condition to his military service. As such, the claims are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to October 5, 2012 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. His symptoms included flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to search for classified or formerly-classified service medical and personnel records related to the Veteran's alleged 'black ops' unit in Laos and North Vietnam, as well as his alleged capture and detainment.

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 Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected depression was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to April 10, 2015 and after April 10, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is not related to his active service or to any service-connected disabilities, including associated pain. The claim for an increased rating for DJD of the right knee is also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The Board also found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is at least as likely as not secondary to his service-connected depression, thus granting service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depression, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric condition other than Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions during the appeal period.