Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder with mild alcohol use disorder are rated at 70 percent prior to December 15, 2021. From December 15, 2021, the rating is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in a previous VA examination regarding the Veteran's diagnosed unspecified depressive disorder. The examiner did not provide an adequate rationale for their conclusion that the Veteran's current depressive symptoms are less likely than not related to his service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions prior to June 6, 2019 do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, secondary alcohol and substance use disorders, and associated depression and anxiety. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are related to events during his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to service. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are at least as likely as not related to in-service stressors or other events.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for major depressive disorder and TDIU are remanded due to the need for a new examination and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is at least as likely as not due to her sexual assault in military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to errors in considering evidence of military sexual trauma and a need for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error regarding the lack of a VA examination during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a skin condition, and a back condition due to various procedural errors and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating increases have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of all appeals.

The Veteran's service connection for prostate cancer is granted due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for higher rating of acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU remains pending as the Veteran has not completed the necessary forms.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected MDD, bilateral foot disabilities, and acquired pes cavus are being remanded due to the need for additional development of the record.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, previously rated as unspecified depressive disorder is remanded due to the need for clarification and a new examination. An effective date of August 18, 2015, but no earlier, has been granted for the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol dependence was denied. A total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from June 8, 2016 was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence does not support finding that any such condition began during service or is otherwise related to in-service events.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Unspecified Depressive Disorder are part of his service-connected PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder. Therefore, he is not entitled to separate ratings for these conditions.

The appeals for increased ratings and TDIU prior to August 14, 2009 are dismissed. From August 14, 2009, the Veteran's residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his obesity, which in turn led to his obstructive sleep apnea.