Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of major depressive disorder with anxiety was granted effective December 2, 2013. The Board found that the earliest date of entitlement is December 2, 2013, which is the date VA received his first communication expressing an intent to file a claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70% and the appeal for a higher rating is denied. The Veteran also seeks TDIU based on his service-connected major depressive disorder, but this is denied as he does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and depression due to the need for further evidentiary development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case needs further development and examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a seizure disorder and depressive disorder, cause the need for aid and attendance. The Board finds that the Veteran is in need of regular aid and assistance due to his medical conditions.

An effective date of June 13, 2014, is granted for the grant of a 70 percent rating for PTSD with anxiety disorder and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a back disability, and varicose veins of the right lower extremity have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, neck disability, and radiculopathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.,Specifically, the Board is seeking additional medical opinions on whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service connected, with the Board finding a nexus to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, bilateral knee disorder, lower extremity numbness (lumbar radiculopathy), and depression.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are etiologically related to his military service. The appeal regarding secondary service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to incomplete opinions.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including major depression, is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating prior to April 20, 2015 based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendering him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include major depressive disorder, and for a higher rating for PTSD has been denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was set at August 13, 2007, with a 10 percent rating assigned. A later 30 percent rating was granted on March 28, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee strain, anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, and lumbar spine DDD due to lack of a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's right knee strain is secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine DDD. The TDIU claim prior to July 30, 2015, remains part of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance or housebound rate, eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing, and eligibility for a special home adaptation grant due to conflicting evidence of record regarding her service-connected disabilities' impact on her ability to perform activities of daily living.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU are remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.