Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims in October 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for major depressive disorder was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 100 percent.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for surgical scars of the back was also denied, as there were no disabling effects not considered in ratings provided under other Diagnostic Codes.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, is granted as service connected. Headaches and bilateral hearing loss are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired mental disorder and memory problems due to insufficient reasons and bases provided in the previous decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The decision on whether service connection can be granted will depend on the outcome of these examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected left big toe ulceration and/or depression, as well as other conditions, and his cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression, finding a relative equal balance of evidence for and against the claim. The Veteran's reports of traumatic events in service are credible, and his current diagnoses align with these stressors.

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed due to the presence of various psychiatric diagnoses and their potential resolution during the appeal period. The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, will be remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, are related to service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic disorder and major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The appeal for a TDIU has been remanded due to the need for further development regarding employment status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neuropsychiatric condition and depressive disorder have been reopened, and the claim is now granted. The bilateral hand disability and TDIU claims are still pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of sufficient medical evidence to determine their etiology. The Veteran reported injuries in service that may have contributed to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her service-connected psychiatric disabilities and a TDIU are remanded due to the need for updated examination and information on her employment status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his pre-existing anxiety and depression were not aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizoaffective disorder, depression, and anxiety. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has been granted, as well as secondary service connection for various conditions including chronic fatigue, depression, Raynaud's disease, irritable bowels, respiratory distress, and high grade fevers.,Secondary service connection was also granted for the Veteran's SLE in relation to his claimed disorders of chronic fatigue, depression (including insomnia), Raynaud's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, respiratory distress, and high-grade fevers.

The Board denied service connection and compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for sleep apnea, insomnia, amputation of right leg, surgical scarring, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder (claimed as panic attacks and stress), diabetes, hypertension, circulatory disorder/left big toe, and erectile dysfunction.,The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions throughout the pendency of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a left knee condition due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's mental health conditions, specifically adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, are rated at 50 percent prior to February 19, 2016 and 70 percent thereafter. The rating for unspecified depressive disorder is also denied.