Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and GAD resulted in total occupational and social impairment from January 26, 2016 to December 9, 2021, warranting a 100% rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, specifically addressing his SI joint and iliac crest deformity. The case will also include an addendum opinion from a clinician regarding whether he requires aid and attendance due to these conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent from September 27, 2011, through August 30, 2020.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for persistent depressive disorder due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's spinal stenosis is currently rated at 20 percent and the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not compensable and the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a compensable rating is warranted.,The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of obstructive sleep apnea or a sleep disorder, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if service connection is warranted.,The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of a neck nerve disorder and the Board has remanded for further development to determine if service connection is warranted.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus and PTSD, MDD, and insomnia disorder.,Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal of several issues, including service connection for right ear hearing loss and increased ratings for various disabilities, is inextricably intertwined with the need to obtain additional evidence. The appeals are therefore being remanded to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and traumatic brain injury is rated at 100 percent effective November 2, 2016. Effective May 5, 2021, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU and SMC based on housebound status from August 19, 2019 due to his service-connected anxiety with depression associated with degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, are related to his military service. Additionally, the TMJ dysfunction is being evaluated as secondary to the diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's post traumatic headaches have been rated at 50 percent since July 11, 2016. The Board has found that the evidence supports a higher rating for this condition from November 4, 2014, to July 11, 2016. The case is remanded for further development including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board found that the Veteran was not unemployable due to her service-connected disabilities prior to October 24, 2011. The evidence showed she had been employed in various positions and could perform sedentary employment despite her disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examinations and conflicting opinions. The issues of psychiatric disability, left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and temporary total disability rating are all being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed stressor events and inadequate VA examination. The Veteran is encouraged to submit any documentation within his possession that may verify his contended stressors, including lay statements from fellow servicemembers.

The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia and dysthymia render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, with the exception of his current part-time substitute teaching job. The Board has granted a schedular TDIU effective August 29, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding no current diagnosis of such conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination for his service-connected psychiatric condition. Additionally, a supplemental medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his psychiatric and varicose vein disabilities, as well as the need to develop information about any claimed stressors. The Veteran is also being asked to provide more details on his reported stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The claims for back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and lung condition are remanded for further development.

The Veteran seeks earlier effective dates for increased ratings and service connection. The Board finds that no earlier effective date can be granted as the increase in disability is not factually ascertainable within one year prior to the claim.,The Veteran also seeks earlier effective dates for service connection of tinnitus, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome. The claims were previously denied but reopened on new evidence.