Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal concerning service connection for chloracne has been dismissed. The claim for an earlier effective date for the 100% rating of PTSD with MDD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to in-service stressors involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The other conditions are not addressed by the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the VA RO to address in-patient mental health treatment records dated January to February 2008 and review additional Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The case will be reconsidered with respect to his claims of higher initial disability rating for depressive disorder and TDIU prior to January 10, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for obtaining VA treatment records from Tuskegee and Montgomery, Alabama. The Veteran's claim of a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and depressive disorder remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a retrospective medical opinion to determine when the Veteran became unemployable due solely to service-connected disabilities. The appeal is also remanded to allow an appropriate opportunity for the Veteran to respond to the adjudication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been denied as the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other diagnosed psychiatric disability being related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for an examination.

The Veteran's total hysterectomy is etiologically related to uterine hemorrhaging that began during her active duty service, and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including claimed PTSD, is rated at 50 percent since June 5, 2014. The condition results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2, and thus does not warrant service connection.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted as it is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety reaction and depression, had its onset during his active service. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding several rating and effective date claims, including for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder, left thoracic outlet syndrome, removal of middle and anterior scalene muscles, status post resection cervical and first thoracic ribs, residual scar, and service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for PTSD with depression due to personal assaults during service.,The Veteran is now entitled to service connection for PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder are found to be related to her service-connected disabilities.,Bladder incontinence is not considered secondary to any service-connected disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran is competent to manage his VA funds without limitation and restores his competency status for VA benefits purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The lumbar spine disorder is rated at 40 percent, and the left lower extremity radiculopathy was previously rated at 20 percent before being increased to 40 percent effective November 29, 2013. The rating for major depression remains unchanged.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 28, 2011. The Board granted TDIU benefits based on the evidence showing that his service-connected conditions rendered him unable to work.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to July 6, 2010 for the grant of service connection for PTSD and TDIU were denied as there is no evidence indicating that he filed a claim before this date.