Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing an opinion by a VA examiner regarding the relationship between his current obstructive sleep apnea and service. The initial rating for major depressive disorder remains granted at 70 percent effective August 29, 2012, and TDIU is granted effective July 1, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, insomnia and difficulty falling asleep/staying asleep, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any PTSD.

The Board finds the evidence insufficient to determine the cause of death and requires further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records since August 2015. The August 2017 VA medical opinion is deemed inadequate due to lack of knowledge about PTSD and heart disease link.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), to include on an extra-schedular basis, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, are related to his military service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection, earlier effective dates, and increased ratings are remanded due to incomplete adjudication of his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression and alcohol dependence is rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating. The Veteran also received a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder, is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his claimed in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's neurobehavioral effects, including Parkinson's disease. The Veteran was exposed to water contaminants at Camp Lejeune during his service.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and anxiety, finding that these conditions are etiologically linked to in-service events. Service connection for PTSD based on MST was not established due to lack of verified stressor.

The Veteran's MDD has been granted a 70 percent rating for the period prior to October 11, 2012. A higher rating is denied from that date onward.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various foot disabilities and depressive disorder due to incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for her right and left feet, as well as her right and left ankles, which she alleges were caused by in-service injuries or events.

The Board has granted service connection for a mood disorder, which is now rated at 30 percent. The decision also grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his mental health issues, including anger management problems and depression.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, major depressive disorder, is due to his service-connected Parkinson’s disease and secondary service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Depression, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD in a September 2019 rating decision, and the issue is now dismissed as there are no remaining determinations to consider.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for recurrent major depression and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, specifically obtaining outstanding VA Vocational Rehabilitation Records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and psychotic features, is related to his service in Kuwait. The Board has granted this claim.