Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has found that there is a further duty to assist the Veteran in substantiating her claim on appeal regarding her psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The case is being remanded for another VA examination and additional records.

The Board dismissed the appeal as it has been granted a full benefit of SMC at the housebound rate since September 8, 2008.

The Veteran's initial claim for a TBI rating was granted at 10 percent prior to June 21, 2016. From that date, the Veteran's TBI is rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board denied an increased rating beyond 10 percent and dismissed the TDIU claim as moot due to his service-connected grand mal seizures. SMC at the housebound rate was also denied prior to August 3, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids due to incomplete records, including service personnel records and updated VA and private treatment records. The Veteran will need a psychiatric examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, tinnitus, and left thumb fracture, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 70% for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for irritable bowel syndrome was denied in a final decision, and no new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim.,Service connection for blood clots (including pulmonary embolisms) is not granted as there is no medical evidence linking the condition to service or exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. His acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is also granted. The initial disability rating for right foot hallux valgus remains at 10 percent. The TDIU issue is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders is remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations and issues with communication regarding the claims file.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD and depressive disorders, and ischemic heart disease due to herbicide agent exposure. The claims are being remanded for additional development and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the April 2007 rating decision. The decision was based on the correct legal standard at that time and supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD and major depression, is rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service experiences and their connection to his current psychiatric disabilities. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for updated treatment records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Depressive Disorder, are being evaluated further.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depressive disorder, TBI, and headache disorders have been granted. However, the claim for TBI was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service. The claim for headaches was also denied due to lack of an in-service event or injury.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder was denied. A 70% rating is granted beginning December 22, 2015. The TDIU claim is dismissed as moot due to the Veteran already receiving special monthly compensation based on his IBS.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of death due to depression that began during service and continued after separation, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is granted as service-connected due to the reasonable doubt in his favor being resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder with depression is granted as incurred in service. Service connection for left and right hip disorders, and bilateral hearing loss are denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, finding that his symptoms are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. The decision is based on the presumption of combat-related service connection due to the Veteran's receipt of the Combat Action Ribbon.