Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder with anxious distress has been denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for residual, right hip bone graft site is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's depression.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The initial compensable rating for hearing loss in the left ear was denied, as did the claim for an increased disability rating for major depressive disorder during a specific period. The issues of service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and surgical scars from left knee arthroscopic surgery had earlier effective dates.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's cause of death, hepatocellular carcinoma, was not service-connected as it did not manifest within the applicable presumptive period and continuity of symptomatology is not established. The Board found that his depression did not cause or substantially contribute to his alcohol abuse or hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a rating of 70 percent prior to February 18, 2019. A higher rating is denied since that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a personality disorder and psychiatric disabilities, including substance abuse, depression, and psychotic disorder not otherwise specified. The decision found that there was no evidence of an in-service incurrence or nexus to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, family relations, judgment and mood. However, total occupational and social impairment due to the condition has not been shown at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD with other specified depressive disorder with anxious distress is granted a 70 percent rating effective February 6, 2020. The claim for increased ratings for cervical spondylosis and total unemployability prior to July 26, 2010 are denied. The TDIU claim is dismissed as moot after that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his anxiety disorder NOS is not related to his in-service stressor and that his current psychiatric disorders are more likely due to intercurrent factors such as childhood sexual abuse and incarceration.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information on the Veteran's claimed stressors and the need for a VA examination to clarify his psychiatric diagnoses.

The Veteran's headaches were rated at a 30 percent disability rating from May 29, 2012 to February 26, 2015. From February 27, 2015, the Veteran was granted a 50 percent disability rating for his severe/frequent mixed headaches associated with service-connected persistent depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his bilateral hearing loss and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the need for a VA examination regarding his acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as the inextricably intertwined claims for GERD and dizziness. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for a psychiatric disability (psychosis) as it is related to his already service-connected depression.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for depression, right knee condition, and left hip condition as secondary to service-connected disabilities. However, these claims are being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration.

The Board has denied service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder injury and psychiatric disability, but has remanded the low back injury claim due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 100 percent since March 11, 2020. Prior to that date, the Board found total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as gross impairment in thought processes or communication, grossly inappropriate behavior, persistent danger of hurting himself and others, and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding that any current psychiatric disability was related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further development is required.