Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board has identified a predecisional duty to assist error and remands the case for clarification on the level of occupational impairment caused by the condition, as well as whether it prevents the Veteran from working.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as he has not provided a VA Form 21-8940, and his employment status is unclear. The Board cannot evaluate the economic and noneconomic components of the substantially gainful employment standard.

The Board has restored the Veteran's major depressive disorder rating to 70% due to improvement in symptoms not being shown under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD and remanded the claim of secondary service connection for depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's current diagnoses include depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and major depressive disorder are granted as they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder is rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is appropriate given the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as PTSD due to insufficient evidence and a need for additional development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 30 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder, ADHD and TBI was granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for post traumatic headaches was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service stressor events.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, as well as the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran was provided a VA examination that did not address his PTSD diagnosis, which may have impacted the severity assessment.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is granted as service connection, as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD including depression, credible evidence of an in-service stressor, and that the PTSD is related to this stressor.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Board has remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding stressor events and a need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective January 14, 2020. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current symptoms of PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder are related to his in-service stressor, and service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for his acquired psychiatric disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his major depressive disorder with insomnia after November 16, 2018 is being remanded due to the AOJ not having adjudicated this issue in its initial decision. The case must be returned to the AOJ for consideration of the merits of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection of his acquired psychiatric disabilities, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress, is now pending.

The Veteran's service-connected persistent depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder is granted an initial 50 percent disability rating, effective April 7, 2017.

The Veteran's MDD with anxious distress has been granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The disability is characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.