Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for persistent depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the addition of new VA psychiatric examination reports and treatment records since November 2017. These records have not been reviewed by the AOJ, so they need to be considered before making a decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include service connection, rating determinations, and TDIU.

The Veteran's earlier effective date for the 10 percent rating for bilateral eye allergic conjunctivitis and blepharitis is dismissed.,The Veteran's increased rating greater than 40 percent for service-connected musculoligamentous strain, lumbosacral spine with intervertebral disc syndrome is dismissed.,The Veteran's increased rating greater than 20 percent for service-connected cervical strain with degenerative changes without radiculopathy is dismissed.,The Veteran's increased rating greater than 10 percent for service-connected left lumbar radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) is dismissed.,The Veteran's earlier effective date of March 4, 2010 for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and insomnia is granted.,The Veteran's increased rating of 10 percent for service-connected extensor tendinitis, right long finger, status post ganglion cyst is granted.,Service connection for alopecia areata is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to July 23, 2018. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a persistent threat of violence or suicide, and thus denied an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as additional medical opinions regarding his psychiatric disabilities and skin condition. The claims will be further developed to determine if there are any new or material pieces of evidence that could support a grant of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including Major Depressive Disorder. The Veteran's personality disorder during service may be superimposed on her current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and conflicting diagnoses. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depressive disorder, personality disorder, and anxiety is being reviewed again with a different examiner.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not preclude him from all forms of substantially gainful employment prior to December 23, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, as the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions had their onset during or were otherwise related to active service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at a 50 percent disability rating, effective September 29, 2015. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected pes planus and major depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various conditions, an increased evaluation for the Veteran's left shoulder rotator cuff tear, and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The cause of death is also under review.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on PTSD, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to the assigned ratings for various conditions have been denied. The claims are remanded for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder are found to be related to military sexual trauma (MST) experienced during service, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent disabling. The Board found that the Veteran is unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to his mental disorders, thus granting a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depression. The remand includes obtaining additional medical opinions on the relationship between current psychiatric condition and reported stressors, as well as whether active military service contributed to his condition.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are not related to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has ordered a remand for further development, including verification of the claimed PTSD stressor and an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders.

The claim for residuals of a head injury was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.,The claim for psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, has been reopened based on the submission of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent for the period prior to January 13, 2017. For the period starting January 13, 2017, a higher rating of in excess of 70 percent is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. A new examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any PTSD, including whether it is related to in-service stressors.