Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is rated at 70 percent disabling, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The case is remanded for further consideration of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU and DEA was granted with an effective date of May 1, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran had marginal employment due to service-connected disabilities as of May 1, 2015.,An earlier effective date of May 1, 2015, for TDIU and DEA was granted based on the evidence showing marginal employment due to a service-connected mental disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as adjustment disorder with anxiety and major depressive disorder with anxious distress, is etiologically related to his active service. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran is currently service-connected for major depressive disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and degenerative arthritis of the spine.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergies, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, anxiety, and major depressive disorder, and a rash in the groin area. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claims for ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence after the issuance of a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with depressive disorder not otherwise specified was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded as it has been nearly seven years since he last underwent a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression with PTSD, foot pain (plantar fasciitis), and back condition are all granted. The claim for increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to September 23, 2020 is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right elbow, shin, hip or pelvis disabilities and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.,Service connection was also denied for low back disability.

The Veteran's MDD is granted at a rating of 70 percent prior to January 15, 2021. The appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to septoplasty with nasal blockage is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability has been denied as there is no evidence of a link between the current condition and military service.,Service connection for major depressive disorder was already established, so this issue does not need further consideration.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has remanded for further development.,The Veteran maintains that he should be granted a TDIU based on his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depression, was incurred in service and the Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, and will consider new evidence submitted by the Veteran. A VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent effective September 27, 2021. The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent for the Veteran's depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, MDD, insomnia, and generalized anxiety disorder, are related to his active service. The MST he experienced prior to entering the Air Force Academy is considered a contributing factor in the development of these conditions.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by his obesity, which was caused by service-connected psychiatric and orthopedic disabilities. OSA would not have occurred but for obesity caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other psychiatric conditions have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU rating. He is also eligible for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to errors in duty to assist and incomplete evidence. The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is based on a stressor event during INACDUTRA, but the exact dates of this service are unclear. For the knee/low leg disabilities, the VA opinions found no relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.