Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's depressive disorder and TBI service connection claims are granted. The Veteran's headaches claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to uncertainty in the diagnosis of the Veteran's mental disorders and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of certain VA treatment records and an incomplete etiology opinion. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, unspecified anxiety, and depression is now pending again.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression and adjustment disorder. The VA examiner did not provide a clear diagnosis or nexus opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other specified depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,The Veteran has been employed as a town mayor in an unpaid position, indicating that his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The rating for PTSD was also denied, as the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment. However, a TDIU was granted effective July 29, 2019.

The Veteran's major depression (claimed as PTSD) was not productive of total occupational and social impairment, but his overall disability picture warranted a 70 percent evaluation. The appeal for higher evaluations on the basis of substitution is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder, Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Artery Disease are granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure. Sickle Cell Trait is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, as the evidence supports a finding that his current psychiatric disability is related to service.,Service connection was also granted for depression. The March 2019 VA examination report provided a competent and credible medical nexus between the Veteran’s current depressive disorder and his in-service head injuries and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU has been dismissed as he is already receiving the maximum combined rating for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder was not manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to December 18, 2019.

The Veteran's representative contends that her PTSD has worsened since the March 2017 VA examination. The Board finds that remand is necessary to fully assist the Veteran in developing her claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression as secondary to his service-connected CAD was denied, and the claim for an increased rating for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a Joint Motion for Partial Remand issued by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, which directed that a new VA medical opinion be obtained and addressed whether any experiences in service resulted in the manifestation of any presently occurring acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral ankle osteoarthritis due to potential new evidence and further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 70 percent rating.

The Board found that the decedent's discharge was due to willful and persistent misconduct, not insanity at the time of discharge. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for depressive disorder was denied, and the claim for TDIU was granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea due to new evidence, but has also remanded it for further examination and opinion regarding whether his service-connected mental health conditions caused or aggravated his current sleep apnea.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for service connection of his anxiety disorder with depression. The Board finds that the claim is not supported by evidence prior to November 8, 2013 and therefore denies this request. The case is remanded for further development related to increased rating and TDIU.