Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is rated at 20 percent, effective August 18, 2011. The Veteran's MDD is not rated higher than 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a videoconference hearing. The claims for service connection will be processed after the scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and Social Security Administration records. The issues include service connection for PTSD, effective date determination for major depressive disorder, and rating of right inguinal hernia.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or substantially or materially contributed to by a disability or disease incurred in active military service, including his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating for his psychiatric disorder, including based on CUE in the April 1992 RO rating decision, is dismissed due to it being filed after the finality of that decision and because the appellant's accrued benefits claim must be dismissed as it does not survive the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for a higher initial rating for parasomnia and did not appeal the September 2014 rating decision that granted service connection for anxiety disorder and depressive disorder with a 50 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to provide an opinion on whether any psychiatric disorder is related to service, including as secondary to a right wrist disability. The personality disorder was also diagnosed during service.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a medical relationship between the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability and his military service or his service-connected adductors myositis, left/adductors tenosynovitis.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a left eye injury, finding that the current cataract is as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service left eye injury. The remaining claims are remanded due to insufficient examination reports and need further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The personality disorder was also not considered a disease or injury for VA purposes.

The Veteran's initial and subsequent ratings for his psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to September 4, 2009.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for depression with anxiety and panic attacks, sinus disability, irritable bowel syndrome, and restless leg syndrome. The Veteran's statements regarding his experiences in service have been considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a request for VA medical records from Dr. M.S. at VAMC Kansas City Behavioral Clinic.

The Veteran's tinnitus, Major Depressive Disorder, and anxiety were found to be related to service. The Veteran's sleep apnea was not found to be related to service or coincident with service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to April 17, 2013. The disability rating of 50 percent was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing at the Louisville, Kentucky RO. The issues on appeal include service connection claims and requests to reopen previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran's mother and a private medical opinion. The case will be returned to the AOJ for readjudication.

The Board has remanded the case to comply with the August 2011 Joint Motion, and further appellate review is required.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depression and alcohol abuse has been rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and mood disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his medical records.