Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete military records and a need for a medical opinion regarding the appellant's mental state at the time of discharge. The appeal is not about service connection but rather the character of the appellant's discharge.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including nicotine dependence, asbestos exposure, and psychiatric disorders. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated during her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and gambling disorder, are sufficient to render him unemployable without regard to his age or any nonservice-connected disorders. The Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and chronic major depression, is granted as service connected due to the continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to address the etiology of his diagnosed bipolar disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death and for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that both conditions are related to his active duty service. The decision also denied service connection for a heart disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether his current acquired psychiatric disorder and cervical spine disability are related to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected testicular injury, and he is awarded special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ due to erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the record and a need for further review by the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder rendered him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful course of employment prior to December 6, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of prior notice that the appellant was recognized as a substitute in the appeal. The Veteran's death and his service in Vietnam are acknowledged, but there is no formal diagnosis of PTSD during his lifetime. A VA medical opinion is needed to determine if he had an acquired psychiatric disorder prior to his death and whether it is related to service or his cancer.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder prevents him from engaging in substantially gainful employment due to his inability to focus and maintain concentration, social interaction issues, and suicidal thoughts.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and headaches/dizziness due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's attorney provided additional information about his alleged stressors during service aboard USS Jesse L. Brown, which will be used by VA to corroborate these allegations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) are related to service, but needs further examination for a definitive opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 13, 2012 is remanded due to inadequate development and compliance with previous Board directives.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma, major depressive disorder, and cannabis use. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with cocaine use disorder is granted a 70 percent rating prior to September 6, 2016.,A higher rating for the Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with cocaine use disorder from September 6, 2016 is denied.,The Veteran's GERD symptoms are rated at 30 percent prior to May 18, 2017 and 60 percent since that date.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's preexisting condition was aggravated by his military service. The disability rating is set at 100%.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and increased ratings for major depressive disorder are remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.