Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, finding that new evidence supports reopening of his previously denied claim. The Board also found that there is a reasonable possibility that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a lack of consideration of VA treatment records and their respective diagnoses in the April 2018 VA examination. The Veteran is required to undergo another psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's depression is secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent since October 3, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety, as well as his claim for TDIU due to lack of evidence linking any diagnosed condition to service.

The Veteran's insomnia disorder with other specified depressive disorder has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective February 27, 2018. The disability picture closely approximates the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

Your service connection claim for major depressive disorder has already been granted and you are receiving a 100% disability rating. The appeal is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with associated irritability and tension is rated at 70 percent, but no more. The appeal for increased SMC benefits based on housebound status or need for regular aid and attendance of another person is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee strain, effective date of service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, TBI, cognitive disorder and TBI headaches, and evaluation for PTSD, major depressive disorder, TBI, cognitive disorder and TBI headaches due to lack of clear and unmistakable error in the prior rating decisions.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for a psychiatric disability and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The Board will seek an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran’s claimed military sexual trauma (MST).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if his reported in-service stressors are verified and whether any diagnosed psychiatric conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is manifested by no more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for the condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder was reopened and granted with a 30% evaluation effective May 29, 2009. The Board denied an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 100 percent due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with anxiety is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment at any point during the appeal period, so a rating higher than 70 percent is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, anxiety and PTSD) due to a lack of medical evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder was rated at 70 percent prior to March 6, 2014. The Board denied a higher rating as the symptoms did not meet criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient detail provided for a claimed in-service stressor and the need for further examination regarding PTSD and other psychiatric disorders.