Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder with panic attacks and depression) was productive of a disability picture that more nearly approximated considerably impaired ability to establish or maintain effective relationships with people prior to November 7, 1996. The Board granted an initial 50 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder from July 16, 1996.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as dilated cardiomyopathy, which is not service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death and there was no evidence linking his heart condition to service or any other conditions.

The Veteran's corns of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th toes on both feet are granted a 10 percent rating each. The Veteran’s persistent depressive disorder is granted a 10 percent rating prior to December 14, 2018, and denied any higher ratings thereafter.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen for service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression), dermatophytosis of the left foot, and dermatophytosis of the right foot.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder and MDD is currently rated at 70 percent, but he contends that his condition has worsened. The Board finds it necessary to remand the case for updated medical treatment records and a new examination to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's service connection for nightmares and increased disability ratings for PTSD with major depressive disorder prior to February 19, 2014 are denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to October 1, 2018, but his disability rating higher than 30 percent thereafter remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and mood disorder. The evidence did not establish a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's 100% rating for his acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, is restored. His appeal for an increased evaluation in excess of 30% for the same condition is dismissed as moot due to the restoration of the rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated depression was rated at 50 percent prior to November 27, 2017 and denied for a higher rating. Since then, the claim has been denied again for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted. The claims for renal cell carcinoma, an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), and a right ankle disability are being remanded.

The Board finds that further development of the record is needed before a decision can be made on the service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The appellant has been diagnosed with various conditions and her attorney indicated interest in adjudicating the TDIU claim along with the PTSD claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including Panic Disorder and Recurrent Brief Depressive Disorder, are not related to service. The left ear hearing loss disability is also denied. Right ear hearing loss is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for traumatic brain injury (TBI) with persistent depressive disorder and moderate anxiety distress is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities. The appeal for a higher rating for major depressive disorder was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since January 19, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a right hip replacement, joint pain condition, and lumbar spine condition have been withdrawn.,Service connection for a respiratory condition (asthma) due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been denied. The evidence is insufficient to establish a nexus between the current diagnosis of asthma and her period of service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression. The opinion should address the Veteran's in-service experiences with regard to his current psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's son, A.S. Jr., was found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to the age of 18 due to his disabilities including seizure disorder and learning disability.

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