Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for constipation and circulatory issues were denied as there was no current diagnosis of these conditions.,Her claim for PTSD (with major depressive disorder) was granted with a rating of 70 percent effective February 20, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as his psychiatric conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an adjustment disorder, claimed as depression, finding that there is no evidence linking his current mental health condition to his military service.

The Veteran is unable to work due to his service-connected psychiatric disorder, which has resulted in a TDIU rating of 70%.

The Veteran's service-connected panic disorder and depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating. The Board denied a higher rating for these conditions. For the period prior to July 5, 2018, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on her psychiatric disability. Beginning July 5, 2018, she was granted TDIU solely due to her service-connected psychiatric disability and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including verification of herbicide exposure and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for psychosis or mental illness and TDIU, as they are moot due to the grant of PTSD. The claims for alcohol abuse disorder and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD remain pending and need further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and interviews, as well as further development of his claims.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include schizophrenia and sleep apnea, but remanded the cases of neck disability and back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression with psychotic features, and substance dependence in remission.

The Veteran's claim for individual unemployability (TDIU) has been granted and assigned an effective date of April 2, 2019. The Board dismissed the TDIU claim as there is no case or controversy remaining to be adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a stressor and for an addendum opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder and generalized anxiety disorder with depression has been granted a 70 percent disability rating, effective May 3, 2019. The condition is characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and erectile dysfunction due to potential issues with the examination provided. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to military service or if they are caused by medications taken for a psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, major depressive disorder, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy are all rated at the current levels. The Board has ordered remand to obtain updated medical records and examinations for these conditions.

The Board has vacated the portion of its April 10, 2019 decision that denied a higher initial evaluation for service-connected depressive disorder. The case is now remanded to allow for further review and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient reasons and bases in the previous decision. The appellant's PTSD claim is being reviewed again as new evidence suggests a possible diagnosis of PTSD, while his headaches claim is being reviewed in light of his TBI residuals.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder was granted. The claims for diverticulitis and bladder cancer were remanded.

The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder prior to May 18, 2015 and denied a higher rating. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's claim for TDIU.