Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation higher than 30 percent for service-connected insomnia prior to August 20, 2012 has been dismissed as the earlier effective date for major depressive disorder (MDD) with insomnia rendered the issue moot.,The combined disability rating from August 9, 2017 is denied as it does not exceed 80 percent.,The combined disability rating from April 11, 2018 is denied as it does not exceed 90 percent.,The combined disability rating from June 14, 2019 and August 1, 2020 is denied as it does not exceed 100 percent.,The initial evaluation for service-connected right shoulder strain with arthritis after October 1, 2018 remains unchanged.

Service connection granted for a headache condition due to service-connected major depressive disorder and tinnitus. Service connection also granted for a sleep disorder (OSA) related to major depressive disorder and GERD.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim is related to his presumed exposure to contaminated water at Camp LeJeune.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder was denied. However, the Board granted a 50 percent disability rating effective July 18, 2016, and found that the Veteran’s symptoms warranted such a rating.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes. Service connection for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete service records. The Veteran's psychiatric disability is being reviewed for possible service connection, and her right knee disability needs a new examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are found to be related to his military service. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, asthma, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and a skin disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with polysubstance dependence, in remission, is granted a disability rating of 70 percent for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 70 percent since June 28, 2004. The Board has granted a higher rating for this condition from July 3, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for depression or other acquired psychiatric disorder, as secondary to service-connected mechanical low back pain due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for neurobehavioral effects, including depression and anxiety, is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. The case requires a new VA examination to determine if the conditions are related to Camp Lejeune water exposure.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for a Right Shoulder Disorder, but the issue of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for failure to treat a ruptured right rotator cuff remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance and/or due to being housebound, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and inextricably intertwined issues. The claims include an acquired psychiatric disorder, hiatal hernia, gastrointestinal condition, and acid reflux.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and/or private treatment records and providing an addendum to the February 2020 medical examination report.

The Veteran's service connection for unspecified depressive disorder was granted effective July 20, 2017. The higher initial rating of 50 percent for the depression has been denied. An increased disability rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine, retrolisthesis with vertebral wedging, and a separate compensable rating for right knee instability have also been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, major depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder with mixed emotions (depression/anxiety), finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy, as well as TDIU. A new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has decided that service connection for hearing loss is denied. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, alcohol abuse, and strokes are remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.