Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in unemployability due to their combined rating of 60 percent, which does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU. The Board finds that the evidence does not show an inability to work due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination in a previous decision, and a new examination is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran must be provided with a new VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and depression, was denied prior to October 25, 2017. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for renal failure as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus and for major depressive disorder. The claim was reopened due to new evidence provided since the previous denial.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and adjustment disorder with depressed mood. The claim is granted as it is as likely as not etiologically related to his active duty service. However, the TDIU issue remains pending due to its inextricability from the service connection grant.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's diagnosed major depressive disorder and his military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease and major depressive disorder, as these conditions may be related to his service-connected back condition. The case is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the claim due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further examination to determine if any depression is etiologically related to, incurred in, or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's insomnia disability has been aggravated by a service-connected psychiatric disability, and the Board grants service connection for this aggravation. The AOJ must now determine the effective date of service connection and assign an initial rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and back disability have been dismissed.,A 50 percent rating, but no higher, has been granted for Major Depressive Disorder from January 26, 2010 to July 1, 2011.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The issues of service connection for bilateral ankle tendinitis and hearing loss are remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, is also remanded.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a head injury was denied. The petition to reopen the claims of PTSD and major depressive disorder was granted, but the Veteran does not have current psychiatric disorders related to his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including insomnia and OSA. The effective date for service connection of unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress is also being remanded.

The Veteran's MDD with alcohol use disorder has not met the criteria for a higher 100% rating, and his other service-connected conditions have been denied or remanded. The appeal is currently in a state of being 'remanded' due to unresolved issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is related to his service experiences. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and depression due to new evidence showing symptoms in service. The Veteran's testimony and a medical memorandum from his military service support the finding that he developed these conditions during active duty.

The Veteran's service connection claim for depressive disorder is remanded due to the VA examiner not having reviewed his claims file and because he underwent right knee surgery. The increased rating claim for a right knee disability is also remanded as it was last evaluated in March 2018.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and effective dates are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension are granted service connection as they began during his military service.