Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, TDIU, and basic eligibility for DEA under Chapter 35 were denied during the period on appeal from January 3, 2013, but prior to January 15, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder and whether obesity caused by his service-connected disabilities contributed to his sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and erectile dysfunction due to PTSD. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are currently under consideration, as is his claim for secondary service connection of ED.,Further examination and analysis are needed to determine if any non-service-connected psychiatric conditions are related to PTSD or other service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for polymyositis and inflammatory myopathy, lumbar spine disability, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, sinus headaches, DM II, right knee disability, left knee disability, and MDD. The VA examiner found no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, lower back disability, cervical spine disability, and arthritis have been granted service connection. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder has also been granted service connection. However, the Veteran's yeast infection secondary to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, and migraine headaches, prevent her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The case is now remanded for further development and a VA examination.

The Board has found that additional development is needed due to the Veteran's undeliverable mail and has ordered it to be sent again. The case will now be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected bronchial asthma, and thus granted as secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and he is now entitled to a remand for further examination. His claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, are also being remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder was denied. The rating prior to December 20, 2019 was found not to meet the criteria for a higher than 30 percent rating, and from December 20, 2019, it was found not to meet the criteria for a higher than 70 percent rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, personality disorder, and learning disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected depression rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, and whether his disability increased in severity between 2001 and when he was granted TDIU in December 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder is denied as the effective date cannot be earlier than August 7, 2017.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral ankle disabilities are remanded as there was no formal or informal claim received prior to August 7, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee is granted and the issue is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's initial rating of 30 percent for depressive disorder was granted from March 22, 2007 to August 14, 2009. A subsequent increase to 70 percent was granted thereafter.,From August 15, 2009 onwards, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating than 70 percent remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was granted. His claims for depression, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral otitis media ear damage were denied. Service connection for tinnitus was granted.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and related cognitive impairments are being remanded for further evaluation to determine the appropriate disability rating and whether he is unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for a migraine condition and remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with other claims.

Your claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, and you are now receiving a 50% rating. However, the appeal is dismissed because there was no NOD with either the effective date or initial rating.