Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service treatment records show he had complaints and diagnoses of anxiety disorder and depression during his honorable period of service. The Board found that the RO erred in not finding these conditions, leading to a reversal of the previous denial.

The Board dismissed the appeal of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The issue of reopening a claim of entitlement to service connection for memory loss is granted, but the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability remains denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with panic attacks and depressive disorder with psychotic features and insomnia disorder, resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. However, the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of consistent reports of severe symptoms such as frequent panic attacks or hallucinations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to service-connected hypothyroidism, should be remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disability, claimed as depression, has been withdrawn.,Service connection for hepatitis C and liver disease was denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service or secondary to another condition. New and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected depression and headaches are found to have caused her obstructive sleep apnea, which is now granted as secondary to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The VA must obtain an addendum opinion and consider all relevant treatment records and statements of record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a personality disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and cognitive disorders, are remanded due to inadequate reasons and bases in the previous decision. The VA is required to obtain private treatment records and provide an addendum medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain gainful employment, leading to a TDIU.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected TBI and PTSD with depression, which have prevented him from working since November 2009.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent.,The effective date for service connection for lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied because there was no indication that the Veteran intended to apply for benefits until December 3, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis is remanded due to the possibility of incorrect address and homelessness, requiring further development at his latest known address.

The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. Service connection for a bilateral knee disability has been reopened and granted. Service connection for low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to it have also been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and neurobehavioral effects, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records. The issues include TBI, urinary condition, vertigo, GERD, skin disability of the arms, acquired psychiatric disability, ED, hypertension, migraines, prostate condition, and third digit of the right hand disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depression disorder, general anxiety disorder, stimulant use disorder (in remission), and alcohol use disorder (in remission) is related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and anxiety disorder were rated at 70 percent effective December 9, 2015.,The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective December 9, 2015.

The Board has determined that additional information is needed to make a fully-informed decision regarding the claims on appeal, including psychiatric disorders and shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's service records indicate she had symptoms of anxiety and depression prior to her enlistment but no clear evidence of pre-existing PTSD. Further examination and medical opinions are required.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of PTSD, psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and vision issues secondary to hypertension. The appeals are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased level of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for a higher level of care at the rate specified under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2) was denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC under any provisions.