Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's vertigo is granted as service connected due to exposure to ototoxic substances during service. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorders and ED are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria for award of TDIU and preclude substantially gainful employment, effective July 24, 2008. The Board finds that the entitlement to a TDIU is warranted for the period beginning July 24, 2008.

The claim for reopening Major Depression was granted, but the claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and depression have been reopened. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with UDD disability remains at a 70 percent rating, but the Board has found that his symptoms have worsened and requires further examination to assess current severity. The issue of individual unemployability is also remanded due to inextricably intertwined nature with the IR claim.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, somatic symptom disorder, adjustment disorder) due to the need for additional development. This includes obtaining missing treatment records from Langley AFB, verifying stressor events, and scheduling VA examinations.

The claim for service connection for PTSD with Major Depression and Anxiety Disorder was reopened, but the Board has remanded the issue due to insufficient evidence. The cause of death claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, requires the regular aid and attendance of another person as a result of his condition. The Board has granted SMP based on this need.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks, insomnia disorder and persistent depressive disorder. The decision is based on evidence showing that the weight gain and obesity resulting from the service-connected mental health conditions are substantial factors in causing the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.

Your initial evaluations for anxiety disorder and depressive disorder have been granted at a 70 percent rating, effective December 19, 2013. Your TDIU rating prior to that date has also been granted.

The Veteran's depression is caused or worsened by his service-connected right knee disability, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU effective June 10, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU based on service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for depressive disorder. The claims for right knee, left knee, and left ankle conditions are remanded due to lack of VA treatment records. The psychiatric disability claim is also remanded for additional medical opinion regarding the onset and relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, anxiety and panic attacks are reopened. The claim for headaches is denied. The Board has ordered a remand to determine the current nature and etiology of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of multiple conditions was denied. The Board is remanding the case to develop and adjudicate his claims.

The Veteran's service connection for major depressive disorder was granted. Additionally, his left knee arthralgia and instability were increased to a 40 percent rating effective October 7, 2019.

The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD is reopened. The Veteran's testimony about stressors he experienced while in service has been considered as new and material evidence. A remand is ordered to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's MDD with PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and service connection have been dismissed.,The Board has remanded several issues including those related to the Veteran's knees, ankles, feet, lumbar spine, and headaches.