Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to duty-to-assist errors in prior VA examinations, and an addendum opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's psychiatric disorders pre-existed service or were aggravated by service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety is granted as service connected, with all reasonable doubt resolved in her favor.

The Veteran's case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a vocational rehabilitation folder, as well as an examination to assess the severity of his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee pain.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, specifically PTSD. The VA is instructed to schedule a new examination and provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PVCs, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), and TDIU due to his heart disability. The issues are being remanded because of inconsistencies in medical evidence regarding the Veteran’s LVEF and need for a new opinion on the etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits of diverticulosis, dyslipidemia, hypertension, intervertebral disc syndrome, and a refraction error have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded cases regarding service connection for a pulmonary disability, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, depressive disorder with anxiety, and glaucoma.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder, anxiety disorder with claustrophobia, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, and mood disorder is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the remaining issues on appeal for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining treatment records.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than major depressive disorder, to include PTSD and anxiety because his claim was resolved when he was granted service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from July 20, 2015 to January 14, 2019. The effective date for the TDIU grant is January 15, 2019.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted. The left foot scar issue remains pending due to remand. Hypertension is also pending and requires further review.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence, including a need for an examination regarding the Veteran's psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his initial increased rating for major depressive disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service member's mental state at the time of his offenses and discharge, as well as incomplete personnel records for his Army Reserve service. The Appellant is asked to provide VA Form 21-4142 for treatment related to her deceased grandson's psychiatric conditions, and VA must obtain all relevant service and personnel records.

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

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder and anxiety, and obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate examinations and lack of medical opinions addressing the Veteran's lay statements.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of notification regarding a scheduled VA examination for psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extension of his delimiting date for Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) benefits beyond August 28, 2009 due to a lack of medical evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities actually prevented him from pursuing his desired educational program.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety is granted effective from January 10, 2017. A rating of 100% is assigned for this period.