Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including residuals of cervical injury and bilateral upper extremity cervical myelopathy, have rendered him unable to maintain regular substantially gainful employment due to his physical limitations.

The Veteran's initial ratings for major depressive disorder and right shoulder disability were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings based on the severity of their respective conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and other conditions also did not warrant the requested increases.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied. The case is remanded due to issues related to service connection and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including dysthymic disorder and depression, is granted. The Board found that the evidence supports a link between the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities and his active military service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and examinations. The Veteran's case is not ready for final decision.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,Prior to August 21, 2019, his depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent and remains denied. After August 21, 2019, he is remanded with an issue of whether a higher rating should be assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding her service-connected migraines, psychiatric disability (anxiety, depression), and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claims for an increased rating for traumatic brain injury and a compensable rating for migraine headaches due to the appellant's representative requesting withdrawal of both issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the representative withdrew the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with verifying a reported in-service stressor and obtaining service treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, is now pending again.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and concomitant polysubstance and alcohol abuse disorder are granted as service-connected. The issues of PTSD, skin condition, and TDIU remain pending.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for increased ratings in excess of 50 percent for major depression, and in excess of 10 percent for right knee arthritis and left knee arthritis. As a result, the appeals are dismissed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's personality disorder is not service-connected due to it being a pre-existing condition. The issues of service connection for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and nonservice-connected pension benefits are remanded for further development.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, needs further development and remanded. The case will be returned to the VA for a new examination and comprehensive medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to a lack of adequate examination and opinion regarding these issues.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of 50 percent for PTSD prior to February 17, 2017 was denied. The claim for a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD from February 17, 2017 was also denied.

The petition to reopen the claims for service connection for a right upper extremity disability, chronic pain disorder, acquired psychiatric disability (including depression), cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, hormonal imbalance (low testosterone), left upper extremity disability, and kidney disability is granted.,Entitlement to service connection has been reopened based on new and material evidence.