Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chronic depression, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to October 23, 2002, or degenerative arthritis of the left knee prior to October 6, 1999.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining alternative service information and VA treatment records. A psychiatric examination is also required to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded to allow for a Social and Industrial Survey, as well as consideration of the assignment of a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features has been granted service connection. The claim for a compensable rating for tinea cruris was granted, while the other issues remain denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, was rated at 30 percent prior to March 15, 2015, and at 50 percent as of that date. The decision granted the higher rating but did not address the TDIU claim.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disorder during service and determined that the current acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that there is no competent medical evidence of diagnosed PTSD. The Veteran has been diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder and rule-out schizophrenia versus schizotypal personality disorder. Service connection was not granted as new and material evidence had to be submitted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service, but his claim for increased rating of CAD was withdrawn. The issue of service connection for depression remains pending and requires further examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional review of his submitted medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing psychiatric disability existed prior to his entry into service and if it was permanently aggravated by in-service injury or as a result of any incident of service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that her current diagnoses are not related to the adjustment disorder with depressed mood or atypical grief reaction she was treated for in service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the correct diagnosis and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including whether his verified stressor event in service supports a PTSD diagnosis. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic bronchitis was denied due to lack of a chronic residual respiratory disorder. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorders, low back disorder, and deafness in the right ear were also denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent each, while his major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for both conditions remain May 29, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is proximately due to her service-connected migraine headaches, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's headaches have been rated at 50 percent since February 27, 2014. The Board has also granted a TDIU based on her service-connected migraine headaches and psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing at the earliest opportunity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for various service-connected disabilities, including right wrist complex tear of the triangular fibrocartilage, limitation dorsal palmar flexion of the left wrist, limitation of supination and/or pronation of the left forearm, malunion and deformity of distal radius, nonunion of styloid process of left ulna, residual scar left forearm, and left lateral epicondylitis. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA mental disorders examination and joints examination. The TDIU claim will also be considered in this process.