Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected conditions have been granted, with some changes in the effective dates and ratings assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety and depression, finding that the Veteran's experiences during military service caused his current psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases for its determination regarding the severance of service connection for depressive disorder with alcohol abuse. The Veteran's lay assertions about the onset of his psychiatric disorder are not addressed in the current decision.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection of depressive disorder with mixed features as there is no longer a case or controversy to resolve due to its grant in December 2019. The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection for knee, ankle, and lower extremity disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was rated at 50% prior to December 4, 2017. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.,Service connection for sleep apnea secondary to the PTSD with depression is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and requests for updated VA treatment records, a VA mental disorders examination at the Decatur VAMC, and readjudication of the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and anxiety/depression, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to the need for VA examinations and additional records. The Veteran's service connection claims related to head injuries and persistent depressive disorder are being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the likely etiology of the acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD). The examiner must provide opinions on whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder clearly and unmistakably preexisted service and was not worsened by service. Additionally, the examiner should consider whether it is at least as likely as not that the acquired psychiatric disorder was caused or aggravated by one or more service-connected disabilities, specifically to include the service-connected residuals of a spontaneous pneumothorax of the right lung.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The claim is remanded to assign a rating for the newly service-connected condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic lumbar spine disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and depressive disorder as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active service.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but her TDIU claim for unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and lack of continuity of symptoms, requiring a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran's statements regarding the onset of his symptoms are considered credible, but further examination is needed to determine if any current psychiatric disorder began in or is otherwise related to military service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be related to her personality disorder, which was noted during service. The right fifth toe disability has been diagnosed but no specific service connection theory applies as the exposure basis is unknown.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder disability was initially rated at 50 percent from March 20, 2015 to April 10, 2017. From April 10, 2017 onwards, the Veteran sought a higher rating but the AOJ remanded the case for further action.

The Veteran's depressive disorder prior to February 28, 2002 was granted an initial 50 percent rating.,PTSD from February 28, 2002 onwards was granted a 70 percent evaluation.