Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and a need for further development of records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, ADHD, depression, and/or anxiety, is now pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability (persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress, irregular sleep pattern, and alcohol use disorder) did not more closely approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that his symptoms were consistent with a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, sleep apnea (secondary to his psychiatric conditions), and hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran was granted an initial rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder, effective June 6, 2016. The appeal is based on reopening the previously denied claim for service connection.,An earlier effective date prior to June 6, 2016, for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder was denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, are rated at 70 percent from December 11, 2017, to November 29, 2021. A 100 percent rating is granted effective November 29, 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is granted as service-connected. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU. The Veteran's representative argued that there is a relationship between his MDD and sleep apnea, but the VA examiner did not provide sufficient reasoning in their opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder (to include hypertension and premature atrial contractions) has been reopened, and the claim is granted.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.

The Veteran's asthma and acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, are remanded for further development as VA has not yet fulfilled its duty to assist in developing the claims.

The Board has denied service connection for a testicular condition and remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, depression (claimed as PTSD), fungus condition, athlete's foot, and sinus condition. The initial rating claim for left knee condition is also remanded.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus remains pending with the need to obtain medical records and provide an opinion on its etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions regarding his psychiatric, sleep apnea, migraine headaches, high blood pressure, low back problems, and skin condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders, including failure to consider his alleged in-service stressors. The VA must obtain additional medical records and attempt to corroborate his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression, left upper extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine condition, tinnitus, scar with puncture wound residuals, and obstructive sleep apnea, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The case is being remanded for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder was granted with an effective date of August 3, 2016.,The Veteran's claim for a separate disability rating of 10 percent for Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy was also granted with an effective date of August 3, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information on whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service or his service-connected diverticulitis, including by way of aggravation.

The Veteran's SMC benefits were discontinued due to a claim of CUE in the original rating decision. The Board has ordered a remand for an audit to determine if any compensation benefits have been improperly paid and for clarification on her TDIU status.