Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to flaws in a previous VA medical opinion, and the need for clarification of certain records.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent effective from July 1, 2018. This rating reflects the Veteran's total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities, near continuous panic or depression affecting his ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, specifically obesity.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including major depressive disorder. The examiner was asked to provide opinions on whether any diagnosed psychiatric disability is related to active service or caused by or aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim for acquired psychiatric disorder was not reopened, while the right foot disability claim was reopened. The lumbar spine disability remains at a 20% rating, and the residuals of the right great toe injury remain at a 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination. The examiner is requested to determine if any psychiatric disability existed prior to service and whether it is related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his military service, specifically if his substance abuse in service was an early manifestation of his depression.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and schizophrenia, finding that there is no medical evidence linking his current diagnosis to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying employment history.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, as well as a sleep disorder. The decision concludes that there is no current diagnosis of these conditions, and any alcohol abuse disorder is not service-connected due to its being related to a personality disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed depressive and anxiety disorders are causally related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically right knee, left knee, left shoulder strain, lumbar strain, and degenerative arthritis. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has decided the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin rash, but has remanded his claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hemorrhoids due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic depression, but the claims for cardiac dysfunction and residuals of hypothermia are remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disability and depression due to the Veteran's failure to report for VA examinations, as he did not provide good cause.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression with anxiety and chronic sleep impairment, as secondary to his service-connected shoulder disability. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of any formal mental condition under DSM-V criteria.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorders and tremor disorder due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available.,The Board denied entitlement to a TDIU as there was no evidence showing that the Veteran could not secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date before April 22, 2016, for service connection of obsessive-compulsive disorder with major depressive disorder is denied. The Board found that the award of service connection was not based on the newly received STRs and personnel records.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder has been granted, with the conditions found to be directly related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for appendicitis, depression, and low back condition due to a lack of VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide updated treatment records and undergo VA examinations.