Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that it is caused by his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and insomnia is rated at 100 percent disabling, effective April 1, 2015. As his other service-connected disability (left ankle condition) does not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU based on a single disability, his claim for entitlement to TDIU is dismissed as moot.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for reduction of evaluation, service connection, and increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder with unspecified depressive disorder due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU from January 23, 2020 to January 30, 2020 is dismissed as moot. The Board denied the claim for a TDIU prior to January 23, 2020 due to lack of evidence showing he was unemployable.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and sinus headaches due to his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder is being remanded.,Specifically, the VA examiners' opinions regarding these secondary service connection claims are inadequate.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his major depressive disorder with anxiety was denied. His claim for TDIU based on service-connected acquired psychiatric disability was granted, but subject to regulations governing the payment of monetary awards.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer with bladder cancer and major depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from January 1, 2021. The combined disability rating is at least 60 percent, meeting the criteria for TDIU and SMC.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of headaches was granted, with the earliest possible effective date being October 1, 2012.,An earlier effective date of May 30, 2013, was granted for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance criteria. The Veteran's need for regular assistance due to his disabilities became apparent at this time.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in pre-decisional duty to assist, and a need for an additional medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted an initial 70 percent rating for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) but has remanded the case to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain a VA medical opinion addressing whether the current depression disability was caused or aggravated by the medication prescribed for the service-connected glaucoma disability.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (unspecified depressive disorder) related to the Veteran's active duty service, finding that his current diagnosis is aggravated by military experiences.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board finds that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder are being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that there is sufficient new and relevant evidence to readjudicate the claim, but further development is needed to determine if a current psychiatric disorder diagnosis exists and whether it is at least as likely as not caused by active service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for anxiety, depression, and PTSD were denied due to lack of new and relevant evidence submitted since the August 2020 rating decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus was dismissed. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder is denied. Service connection for a neck condition is granted, but the issue regarding left lower extremity radiculopathy remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder. The claim will be reconsidered based on a new medical examination.

Your appeal for a higher rating for PTSD has been dismissed because the maximum possible rating (100%) was already granted in a previous decision.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is related to stressors incurred during active service in Kuwait. The appeal for disability manifested by fatigue, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and an increased evaluation for service-connected prurigo nodularis are dismissed.