Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's autism spectrum disorder and persistent depressive disorder are related to his active military service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea and psychiatric disability to include PTSD has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, an eye disability including glaucoma and a right eye injury, a back disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety and depression, anemia, bilateral foot disabilities, and insomnia. The Veteran's hearing loss disability remains at Level I in each ear.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, right knee patellar tendonitis, left knee patellar tendonitis, bilateral metatarsalgia, sinusitis, and schizoaffective disorder. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a current disability in all cases.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders. The issues are service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a total disability based on individual unemployability.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to potential new evidence and further development is needed.,The claim for increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine remains pending. A VA examination will be conducted to assess the current severity of the condition.,The claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to potential new evidence from the Veteran's hearing and need further development.,A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder. The examiner must also attempt to corroborate the Veteran’s reported stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including completion of a VA Form 21-8940 to address his employment history and ability to work.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety, and ADHD was rated at 50 percent prior to August 21, 2015. From August 21, 2015 through February 22, 2017, the rating was denied for a higher disability rating. Beginning February 23, 2017, the Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety, and ADHD is rated at 70 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD and major depression, finding that the earliest possible date is October 31, 2002. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her left tibia disability remains in remand status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and MDD, are etiologically related to his military service. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for anxiety with depressive disorder (previously claimed as PTSD) is granted, effective July 1, 2009. The TDIU and DEA benefits are also granted from the same date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's notice of disagreement was timely filed, and thus the appeal is granted. The RO denied service connection for hearing loss, PTSD, and depression but granted a 10% rating for tinnitus.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, claimed as depression and PTSD, is not service connected. The right foot disability is also not service connected. Service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus (DM II) and an acquired psychiatric disability, to include major depressive disorder, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected thoracic lumbar strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for schizophrenia and a TDIU due to procedural flaws in the AOJ's handling of his appeals. The AOJ must first resolve his claim seeking service connection for Major Depressive Disorder before readjudicating his other issues.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of each acquired psychiatric disorder demonstrated during the appeal period or in proximity to the claim. The Veteran's hepatitis C is denied as it is due to willful misconduct.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and anxiety disorder with depressed mood was dismissed as the appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder. The VA needs to provide a comprehensive opinion addressing all reported stressors and their relation to service.