Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified trauma related disorder with major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's conditions are due to his combat experiences during military deployment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, was aggravated by his service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted an increased initial rating of 70 percent. The case is remanded for further examination to determine if a TDIU should be granted.

The Board has granted the reopening of a claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, but denied claims for service connection for chronic undifferentiated schizophrenia, major depression, and psychosis, as well as PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for lung cancer and depression due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, as well as service connection issues related to these conditions. The decision also requires a clarification of representation status and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the nature and cause of the Veteran's lung cancer.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical examination and records, but the appeal is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding the issue of an effective date prior to May 13, 2014, for the grant of service connection for tinnitus.

The claim for service connection for PTSD is reopened, and the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD) is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her major depression was received on July 29, 2013. The Board found that the evidence supported an effective date of July 29, 2013, but no earlier, for the 50 percent evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active military service.

The Veteran was granted service connection for major depression with psychotic features effective January 21, 1999 and a 100% disability evaluation effective the same date.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for depressive disorder was denied, and his request for an earlier effective date for service connection was also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically persistent depressive disorder, as there was no evidence of a current disability related to active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, as his combination of migraines, lumbosacral disc bulge, left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the lumbar spine, and depressive disorder makes him unable to secure or follow gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and conflicting diagnoses. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a sleep disorder is being reviewed again with a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder was received by VA on June 23, 2010. The effective date of the grant of TDIU is assigned as June 23, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II with onychomycosis of the bilateral big toenails and erectile dysfunction is remanded. The Board also notes that an earlier effective date prior to August 13, 2012, is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete record and failure to provide adequate reasons or bases for its decision. The Veteran's service-connected anxiety/depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent, but a higher rating is sought.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a depressive disorder, finding that there is no current diagnosis of such condition and thus not meeting the criteria for service connection.