Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of additional VA medical records. The issues on appeal include increased ratings for persistent depressive disorder, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and a higher evaluation have been withdrawn by his representative. The Board has dismissed these issues as the appeal was withdrawn before any decision could be made.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and readjudication due to procedural errors, lack of proper examinations, and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for major depressive disorder has been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has remanded the cases of PTSD, glaucoma, and hypertensive retinopathy due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities are currently diagnosed as major neurocognitive disorder, chronic PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and unspecified depressive disorder.

The Board has denied the claim of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as secondary to a service-connected lumbar vertebra fracture, based on lack of medical evidence supporting a causal relationship.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his military service.

The Veteran's polycystic liver disease and acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder NOS) are granted. The case is remanded for further development regarding service connection for a traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, and TDIU prior to January 1, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and unspecified depressive disorder was denied. The Board found that her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they were consistent with a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board dismissed the claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for unspecified depressive disorder because the Veteran did not file a notice of disagreement (NOD) on this issue.

The Veteran's appeal does not involve service connection for a psychiatric disability, right inguinal hernia, testicular pain and swelling, or RLE radiculopathy.,The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial 50 percent rating for unspecified depressive disorder (previously rated as acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression) is granted prior to August 8, 2016. The increased rating claim for the same condition from August 8, 2016, and thereafter, is denied.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder not otherwise specified with persistent depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to May 23, 2017 and denied for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and migraine headaches have been reopened, and the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The initial compensable rating for head scar is denied, but a remand is ordered for further evaluation of the right foot disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, NOS, due to a lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressors occurred. The diagnoses of PTSD are not considered probative as they rely on unsubstantiated claims of combat service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and left ear hearing loss, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder NOS) is remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran was insane at the time of misconduct leading to his bad conduct discharge, thus removing any statutory or regulatory bar to VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to failure to appear for VA examinations. The case is returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining examinations and medical opinions as requested.