Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and headaches are rated at 70 percent combined, qualifying her for TDIU benefits. The Board granted the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with schizotypal personality disorder is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine scoliosis with degenerative joint disease with strain and disc bulge was initially rated at 10 percent prior to March 19, 2014, and is currently rated at 20 percent from that date. Neither of these ratings meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the evidence did not show a worsening in symptoms warranting such a rating prior to December 3, 2018.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and treatment records.,An effective date prior to January 2, 2016, is denied for all awards of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions, and his service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (including major depressive disorder) is related to his active service or secondary to his service-connected sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability and obstructive sleep apnea have worsened, necessitating new VA examinations. Additionally, there is a need to obtain updated income and employment information for consideration of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for individual unemployability and a higher rating for left knee patellofemoral syndrome were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU prior to July 21, 2014, and there was no evidence of worsening in her service-connected disabilities between July 21, 2013, and July 21, 2014, such that she became unemployable during this period. The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD were granted a 50% rating for the period prior to May 4, 2015. The claim for a higher rating was denied as of May 4, 2015.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), to include depression and/or anxiety, finding that there is no credible evidence verifying the claimed in-service stressors. The issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder was granted. The claims for tinea pedis, respiratory disability (including chronic bronchitis, COPD, and other respiratory pathology related to pulmonary eosinophilic granulomatosis and obstructive sleep apnea), foot disability other than tinea pedis, upper extremity diabetic neuropathy, and right knee disability are still pending and need further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a stroke, as well as his claim for TDIU due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.,Specifically, the Board requested an addendum opinion on the etiology of the Veteran’s sleep apnea, addressing whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder has been granted a disability rating of 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, with symptoms including suicidal ideations, near continuous depression affecting function, and impairment in concentration and attention.

The Board has remanded the claim for an examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder. The examiner provided a negative nexus opinion on the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected hypertension and his current depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification regarding the Veteran's bipolar disorder, including whether it is related to service. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's MDD was granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective December 19, 2012.,The Veteran's headaches were denied a higher than 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diagnosed conditions.