Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder was initially rated at 30% prior to March 30, 2015. From that date onwards, he is now rated at 70%. The issue of TDIU remains on appeal as part of the initial rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, was rated at 30 percent for the period from September 4, 2012 to January 28, 2019. The rating was then increased to 50 percent effective April 1, 2019, but reduced back down to 30 percent for a portion of that period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and exposure. The AOJ is instructed to investigate potential herbicide agent exposure, obtain an addendum opinion from a VA psychologist on PTSD, arrange for a VA examination to determine if CAD, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and GERD are related to service or any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse in sustained partial remission is granted a disability rating of 70 percent from January 22, 2010 to September 8, 2017. A TDIU was granted for the period May 1, 2016 to September 8, 2017.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate development, and a new VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to his service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to his service-connected disabilities, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU since May 12, 2020. The case is remanded for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration prior to May 12, 2020.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, is granted secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine and right elbow disabilities. The reduction of the rating for his lumbar strain with muscle spasm from 40 percent disabling to 20 percent was not proper.

The Board has restored service connection for PTSD and granted special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ due to PTSD. Service connection for generalized anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder is also granted as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a gastrointestinal disability was denied in September 2014. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.,For his unspecified depressive disorder, the Veteran received a 70% rating from August 27, 2015, but the Board denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. High blood pressure, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depressive disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety neurosis, and PTSD), coronary artery disease status post coronary artery bypass, and colon cancer are all found to be related to service or presumptively due to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and failure to readjudicate the claims in accordance with previous directives.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder is denied as the Veteran’s fatigue with sleep disturbance does not constitute a separate disability for compensation purposes.,The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is currently evaluated at 10 percent from prior to November 26, 2014 and 20 percent thereafter. The claim for an increased rating for this condition is denied as the evidence shows that forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was limited to 40 degrees at worst.,The Veteran's right retropatellar pain syndrome is currently evaluated at 10 percent, and a higher initial rating is sought. The claim is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's post-concussive syndrome with anxiety and depression secondary to residuals of a closed head injury with occipital fracture from August 11, 2004, to March 11, 2017 is currently evaluated at 30 percent. A higher initial rating is sought and the claim is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's residuals of a closed head injury with occipital fracture are currently evaluated at 40 percent, and a higher initial rating is sought. The claim is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's mild neurocognitive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder is currently evaluated at 70 percent, and a higher rating is sought. The claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding a rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected MDD with anxiety, including whether separate ratings are warranted for MDD and anxiety.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives, and additional development is required. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and a nervous condition, claimed as due to military sexual trauma (MST), is being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service stressor and the relationship between the claimed psychiatric conditions and service. The appellant's current diagnoses of major depressive disorder and PTSD need to be verified, and a VA examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for a new VA opinion regarding the severity of TBI residuals and their impact on the Veteran's claimed conditions. The Veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected TBI.

Your appeals for service connection on various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with these matters.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to specific dates are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's MDD with PTSD was granted a rating of 70 percent prior to May 26, 2009 and denied any higher rating thereafter. A TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities was also granted.