Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorder (OTSD), recurrent major depressive disorder with anxious distress (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military stress in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of proper notification and scheduling of VA examinations. The Veteran is required to report for scheduled examinations or face potential denial of his claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Major depressive disorder, and Alcohol or other substance use disorder as there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred in service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and PTSD, is rated at 70 percent since September 7, 2016. A TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations or evidence.,Specifically, the Veteran needs VA examinations for sinus issues, prostate issues, sleep apnea, acid reflux condition, acquired psychiatric disability (depression and/or anxiety), and gout.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress are rated at a higher 70 percent for the initial period from February 22, 2008 to May 3, 2010. From May 4, 2010 onwards, an even higher 100 percent rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include right knee, left knee, left ankle, psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD), and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an opinion on whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and related complications.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically his psychiatric condition. The appellant contends that the Veteran suffered from major depression, anxiety, and PTSD during service which contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining outstanding records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, entitlement to a temporary total disability rating for PTSD, service connection for hepatitis C, and service connection for GERD are being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for asthma and MDD were denied. The Veteran was already rated at 30 percent for both conditions.,Asthma: The Veteran’s disability picture did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his FEV-1/FVC remained below 70% predicted, and he did not require oral bronchodilators or systemic corticosteroids.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for TBI and headaches due to incomplete compliance with prior remand directives. The issues are also inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being associated with the claims file, and a VA examination is needed to determine if the appellant was insane at the time of misconduct leading to his discharge.

The Veteran's service-connected depression with sleep disorder and nightmares has resulted in unemployability since April 8, 2013. The Board granted a TDIU based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that his current disability is related to military service.,Service connection for prostate disorder, including BPH and hypothyroidism were also denied as there was no indication they had their onset during or are otherwise related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected disabilities, specifically headaches and recurrent corneal erosions and left eye keratitis.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service stressors or a link between current symptoms and service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depression. The Veteran's right shoulder scar is rated at 10% under Diagnostic Code 7804. Further examination and development are needed to address the issues related to his left knee disability, effective date of service connection, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD as due to military sexual trauma, is being remanded for a VA examination and further development.