Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his generalized anxiety disorder and recurrent major depression from October 1, 2012 was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating. The Veteran also had an existing TDIU rating granted effective October 1, 2012.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety and depressive disorder, as well as secondary service connection for hypertension. The decision is based on evidence that supports a finding of a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including evaluations and service connection determinations. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being remanded to consider additional factors.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and panic disorder prior to January 8, 2020 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for this period.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's mental health conditions are being evaluated, with particular attention to their relationship to his hepatitis C.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded the right shoulder condition issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and lack of medical opinions regarding service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The issues include entitlement to DIC based on service connection, duty to assist in development before rendering a decision in an SOC, and whether alcohol abuse was related to psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depression with anxious distress. The decision also mentions a claim for secondary service connection related to his service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 27, 2011 for the 100 percent evaluation of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to a lack of SSA records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than major depressive disorder, is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claim for initial compensable disability rating for hemorrhoids from November 26, 2008, to April 20, 2010, is granted with a 10% rating. From April 21, 2010, to April 8, 2013, and since June 1, 2013, the Veteran's hemorrhoids are rated as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right ankle disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence. The claims will be reviewed again with additional development.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, PTSD, and MDD, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a causal relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability and bilateral knee disabilities have been granted initial ratings of 50 percent for the entire rating period from May 16, 2013. The Veteran has also been granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment prior to September 2, 2020, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for depression and a compensable rating for tension headaches associated with sleep apnea due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran needs to be examined by a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine if he has depression, as well as an examination to assess the severity of his tension headache disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that further development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination, is necessary.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for depressive disorder and lumbar stenosis and low back dysfunction were denied due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's effective date for a 40% rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine is set at March 29, 2019. The Board also granted an earlier effective date for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance eligibility.

The Board has remanded the claims of an increased evaluation for service-connected low back disability and for entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, PTSD, and anxiety. The Veteran's low back disability is being evaluated again due to inadequate examination findings, and his acquired psychiatric disorder is being evaluated again as it may be related to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting diagnoses and a need for further examination or medical review. The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.