Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder and TBI, finding that the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximate a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because the evidence does not support a finding that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Board acknowledges potential medication side effects but finds they are not fully relevant to the current TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, combined with other disabilities, has rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since June 2, 2009. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on his service-connected disabilities, which include tinnitus and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a left ankle disability is denied.,The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea claims are reopened, but denied on the merits.,The Veteran's eye disability (bilateral) claim is reopened, but denied on the merits.,The Veteran's lung disability (bronchitis), colon disability (ulcerative colitis), erectile dysfunction and/or vasectomy, kidney stones, and hypertension claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new VA mental health treatment notes and a PTSD review examination report. The Veteran's appeal of her claim for a higher rating for PTSD and chronic depression is now pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for further examination regarding the acquired psychiatric disorder. The appellant's hearing loss claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol induced anxiety disorder was granted. Separate ratings were also granted for the Veteran's right knee conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and alcohol dependence, is granted. The Board found that the evidence supports a finding that his current conditions are related to military service or secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to the Appellant's character of discharge and service connection claims for various disabilities. The case will be returned to VA for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to May 9, 2022.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for various conditions and rating determinations. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.,There is no evidence of an eye disorder related to service exposure. The Veteran's current eye conditions are more likely due to aging.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran needs a VA examination to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.,Service connection for hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected traumatic brain injury.,Obesity was not determined to be a compensable disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, persistent depressive disorder with panic disorder without agoraphobia, and radiculopathy, sciatica, right and left lower extremities have been reopened.,Service connection has been granted for degenerative arthritis spine with intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Veteran's right knee disability, GERD, acquired mental health condition (excluding PTSD), and bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis have been granted service connection. The Veteran's hernia, left side, groin muscle disability, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, left ear injury, throat gland disability, and ear wart disability have not been established as service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder rendered him incapable of securing or following substantially gainful employment throughout the period on appeal, leading to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.