Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for depressive disorder and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) by reason of being housebound is remanded due to the VA representative not receiving notification letters, SOC, SSOCs, and docketing letters at their last known address.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information about the Veteran's current diagnoses and their relation to service. A VA psychiatric examination is needed to clarify these issues.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent for the entire appeal period. The Board also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition and for revision of a November 1991 rating decision denying service connection for asthma based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The claims are to be readjudicated, including addressing whether his acquired psychiatric condition is caused or aggravated by his service-connected asthma.

The Board denied the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, finding that there was no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD and concluding that any current psychiatric conditions are not related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of uterine fibroids, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety) have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence or medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient information on the occupational impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. Additional development is needed, including obtaining updated treatment records and opinions from a clinician regarding the impact of her conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a major depressive disorder and claimed as secondary to service-connected vasovagal syncope with asystole status post pacemaker. The case is now back before the Board due to need for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to July 24, 2014, and in excess of 70 percent on and after July 24, 2014, for service-connected depressive disorder was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's appeal for a 100 percent rating due to persistent suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting his ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively, and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances was also denied. The Board found that these symptoms were more consistent with a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board finds that there are still open medical questions regarding diagnosis and etiology. The appeals are remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's acquired mental disorder, including PDD, is rated at 50 percent for the period prior to June 28, 2019. The Board found that his symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The low back disability claim is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her service connection claims and a separate rating for bladder impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current PTSD is as likely as not attributable to his in-service stressors events occurring between August 1982 to June 2, 1986.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently bedridden, thus he is denied special monthly compensation based on housebound status or permanent need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction as it has been granted and rendered moot. The remaining issues of service connection for hypertension, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for an acquired psychiatric disability are remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include unspecified depressive disorder, is remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression was reopened, and he is now granted service connection. His low back disability remains rated at 10 percent, but the appeal for an increased rating is denied. Accrued benefits are also granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder has been granted, with an initial rating of 70 percent. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected depression.

The Veteran's appeal for right knee disability is dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the issue. The Board has remanded several other issues including peripheral neuropathy, respiratory disability, sleep apnea, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, skin disability (PFB), bilateral kidney disability, hearing loss, insomnia, depression, erectile dysfunction, and eye conditions.