Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are rated at 50 percent, but the Board has determined that there is evidence of worsening symptoms warranting a higher rating. The case is remanded to obtain additional VA and private treatment records, as well as documents from the Veteran’s attorney and private counselor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, but his combined disability rating is sufficient to warrant consideration of extra-schedular TDIU. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule the Veteran for an examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and major depressive disorder (MDD) are denied. The Veteran's hypertension and right elbow disability are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his military service and his current mental health conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, but rather occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for his bilateral eye corneal scars to include right eye traumatic cataract. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but denied the claims for foot fungus condition and colon polyps. The claim for residuals of a right rectus lipoma removal was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for GERD is pending as it requires reopening.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and requests for additional information. The Veteran was not granted any new ratings or effective dates.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, low back disability with radiculopathy, testicular hypogonadism, and depressive disorder have been granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base.,Service connection has also been denied for bilateral cataracts.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since the period prior to March 28, 2007. The Board denied a higher rating as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a grant of financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, as they do not result in loss or use of hands or feet.

The Veteran is not competent to handle disbursement of VA funds due to his mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and depression.

The Veteran is not competent to handle disbursement of VA funds due to his mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and depression.

The Veteran is not competent to handle disbursement of VA funds due to his mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and depression.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist deficiency and the need for a VA examination.

The Board dismissed the appeal of attorney fees as a result of past-due benefits awarded in a February 2019 rating decision, which granted service connection for major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD diagnosed as a depressive disorder is granted service connection. Ratings for his right and left knee disorders are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, MDD, and alcohol use disorder as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since December 19, 2017. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 100 percent due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to new and relevant evidence submitted after the January 2016 final denial. The case is now remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his diagnosed acquired psychiatric disabilities.