Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder, depression and anxiety prior to September 1, 2015 was rated at 70 percent disabling. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are etiologically related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for further evaluation of the Veteran's lumbar spine strain, hip disability, knee disability, and depression. The claims for service connection are also referred to the RO.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to incomplete development of evidence, including a need for additional VA examinations. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD. The rating for PTSD remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic skin condition and hypertension have been reopened, but the underlying claims are denied.,Service connection is granted for PTSD with anxiety disorder and depression prior to September 1, 2017, at a rating of 70 percent. The claim remains pending as it was not fully resolved.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and need for further evaluation of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder has been dismissed due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's disability rating for residuals of a cerebral vascular accident is denied as his impairment does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His right foot/ankle disability and cognitive impairments are rated separately.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability, including diagnoses of major depressive disorder, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. The Veteran missed his first scheduled VA examination due to a fractured femur and an August 2019 VA examination due to inpatient treatment.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with other specified stressor disorder and sleep disturbance is granted as incurred in combat service.

The Board has restored the Veteran's PTSD with depression rating to 100% effective August 1, 2016 after finding that the reduction from 100% to 30% was improper.

The appeal for service connection for onychomycosis, claimed as right foot dermatitis, is dismissed.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as PTSD, to include anxiety and depression are denied. The Veteran's hypertension claim has been remanded.,The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the right foot dermatitis issue in October 2019.

The Veteran's increased disability rating for a psychiatric disorder from December 10, 2019 is granted. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and earlier effective dates for MDD and sleep apnea have been dismissed due to the absence of an adequate substantive appeal.,The Veteran also withdrew his claims for TDIU, which are not part-and-parcel of these increased rating claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to make a decision on the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The Veteran's VA treatment records include diagnoses of insomnia, depression, and an unspecified 'anxiety state.' She testified that she began experiencing symptoms related to her claimed disabilities while in-service following hearing about sexual violence incidents.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, due to a lack of current disability diagnosis.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted a 70% rating, but his left shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tear are denied higher ratings.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection due to in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's right shoulder condition and acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for depressive disorder and coronary artery disease. The Veteran's claims are related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically right little finger degenerative arthritis, periodontal disease, appendectomy residuals, and associated scars.