Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a seizure disorder and an acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder and depressive disorder) due to insufficient competent medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected depressive disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Board has restored a 70 percent rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder, effective July 14, 2015. The evidence does not support improvement in the Veteran's condition at that time.

The Board has combined and expanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression to include any acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim is remanded due to new evidence received in July 2014, allowing a VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss of the right ear, an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD), and low back disability are all granted. However, a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied for his low back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include bipolar disorder due to lack of evidence linking his current psychiatric conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and secondary conditions. The appeal is remanded to determine if the Veteran's headaches are related to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating in excess of 30 percent for depressive disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS), due to a lack of complete medical records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was granted. Her rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was restored to 40 percent effective September 24, 2013, after a reduction from 40 percent in July 2018. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD has been granted, with the PTSD being related to in-service stressors. The claim was reopened due to new evidence provided since the previous denial.

The Veteran's PTSD with symptoms of depression and anxiety is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition. Additionally, the TDIU claim is also being remanded due to lack of updated VA treatment records and insufficient work history information.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for posttraumatic stress disorder with unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder was denied. The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, a left foot condition to include the great toe, and tinnitus have been granted. The rating assigned is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.,The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his knee conditions, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lumbar spine disorder, thoracic spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, neurological deficits, carpal tunnel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder and determining whether the Veteran is a 'Veteran' under 38 U.S.C. § 101(2). The appeal will be further developed with respect to these matters.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran also received a TDIU rating and SMC under 38 U.S.C. §1114 (s).

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for migraine, hypertension, and sleep disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The VA is instructed to obtain additional records and schedule examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities. The claims for increased ratings of chondromalacia patella of both knees and service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine are remanded.

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

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for a heart condition, an unspecified depressive disorder, and a headache condition. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.