Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's pre-service psychiatric conditions and their progression during service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent disabling for PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied, and the claim for TDIU is now moot due to a concurrent grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were dismissed due to the death of the Veteran before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, gout, and a back condition are all granted. However, the claim for gout is denied as there is no evidence of current disability during the appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, cocaine abuse, and alcohol abuse). The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any related in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is granted. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received since the February 2010 denial of the claim, allowing the reopening of the previously denied claim.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder with psychosis and anxiety disorder NOS, but the issues of cervical spine disability and bilateral neurological disability of the upper extremities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for right foot bunion, sleep apnea, hypertension, heart condition, and depression/anxiety.,It was determined that the Veteran's current conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection as they did not begin during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board has remanded the case to provide a new VA examination for an acquired psychiatric disorder, as the current opinion is insufficient to decide the claim on the merits.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and pain disorder, does not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent since March 20, 2007. The appeal for an increased rating has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and headaches have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to a decision.,Service connection for depression and anxiety (claimed as drug treatment) has also been denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s current mental health conditions are not related to service.

An initial 40 percent rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease, bilateral lower lumbar facet osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease and lumbosacral strain myositis is granted effective February 10, 2005.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated as initially 30 percent disabling effective February 10, 2005. It is then increased to 70 percent effective March 20, 2007 and to 100 percent effective April 9, 2018.,Special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound level is granted effective November 1, 2005.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance (A&A) is remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeals regarding the ratings for his service-connected major depressive disorder, the propriety of a reduction in the rating from 50 to 30 percent, and challenging the effective date of that reduction have been withdrawn by the Veteran's attorney. As such, these matters are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder is being remanded due to the addition of VA mental health treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cold weather injuries and PTSD, have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since June 13, 2012. He is granted a TDIU effective that date.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to deficiencies in the current evidence. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to determine if any psychiatric disability is related to service, and another examination is required to assess the severity of the right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The effective date remains pending as it is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for CAD is denied as there is no legal authority to assign such a date, and CUE has not been raised.,The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for angioedema due to allergic reaction to medication remains remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder.