Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The Board will consider all issues on appeal once this process is completed.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is granted as service connected. The claims for toenail fungus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, a depressive disorder, and anxiety), neurobehavioral effects to the face, and heart disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to an extraschedular evaluation of service-connected left and right breast gynecomastia for the period prior to May 2, 2007, as well as the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The decision is pending further development.

The Board has determined that the issue of service connection for a non-PTSD psychiatric disorder is not on appeal. The case is being remanded to obtain an adequate VA etiological opinion and to attempt to obtain VA treatment records and private medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to consider the Veteran's claim for TDIU, including his service-connected major depressive disorder effective June 17, 2019.

The appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease, to an increased evaluation for depression, and to an effective date prior to November 28, 2006, for the grant of Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is dismissed. The issue of TDIU prior to November 28, 2006, is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis is rated at 20 percent, effective September 13, 2019. From that date onwards, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his mental disorder and liver conditions, have precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since March 2, 2015. The Board has granted the TDIU rating effective that date.

The Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, are related to his military service.

The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability is granted. The issues of service connection for osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, is aggravated by her service-connected disabilities. The claims for increased ratings of right knee chondromalacia patella, residuals of a right knee tibial fracture, left knee patellofemoral dysfunction, and carpal tunnel syndrome are denied. Service connection for a right hip disability and lumbar spine disability remains pending.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for depression and a back condition is granted, with the exception that additional development is required to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for depression due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is related to his military service and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent effective February 9, 2015. Prior to this date, the rating was 50 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's major depressive disorder was aggravated by her military service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, major depressive disorder, and PTSD due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and depression. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and service connection for alcohol abuse as secondary to PTSD. The current rating for PTSD is 50 percent.