Depression Board decisions

The Veteran is granted an effective date of September 6, 2007 for a 50 percent rating for service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of her claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and adjustment disorder, and hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his herpes simplex did not meet criteria for a compensable rating due to constant or near-constant treatment. The VA examiner concluded that his hearing loss does not qualify as a disability under VA regulations. Service connection was also denied for depression, left shoulder arthritis, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as his initial ratings for other conditions, were granted. The rating for status post resection of the small intestine and colon was increased to 20 percent effective from September 20, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, as well as PTSD. The Veteran's claims were reopened based on the submission of new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD causes significant occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. The appeal is granted as to his PTSD claim.

The Veteran's painful scar, residuals of second degree burns, right forearm and hand, is rated at 10 percent since February 9, 2010. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD) secondary to the scar is granted.

The case is being remanded for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder found.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with secondary depression was denied. The RO/AMC is directed to schedule a VA examination and obtain updated treatment records before readjudicating the issue.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing VA and private medical records, obtaining service personnel records, and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any currently diagnosed psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was rated at 50 percent effective from February 4, 2008. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in work and social functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and insomnia is currently rated at 70 percent from October 30, 2012. The onychomycosis claim remains unresolved as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depression with psychotic features and bipolar disorder, was rated at 50% prior to March 18, 2008. From March 18, 2008 to August 7, 2013, the rating increased to 70%. Prior to September 20, 2012, he did not meet criteria for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. From September 20, 2012, he met these criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 50 percent since August 29, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this period.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant, through his authorized representative, has withdrawn all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's GAD with PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), did not manifest during or as a result of active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his psychiatric conditions, lumbar spine condition, and bilateral hearing loss. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability as a result of service-connected disabilities (TDIU) will also be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression and alcohol dependence is currently rated at 50 percent disabling from June 6, 2012. The symptoms include occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's depression is service connected as secondary to his service-connected back and lower extremity disabilities. His tinnitus, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, asthma, and hypertension are not service connected.