Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression is being remanded due to the need for further examination and verification of stressor events. The VA will attempt to verify the claimed stressors related to a military helicopter accident in January 2002, and the Veteran will be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's pre-service psychiatric condition and its progression during her ACDUTRA service. The VA will need to obtain additional records and provide an opinion on these issues.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically major depression and dysthymic disorder, was found to not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 27, 2019, or in excess of 70 percent thereafter. The Board determined that the symptoms did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any of these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial 50% evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder with unspecified depressive disorder has been dismissed without prejudice due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder has been rated at the maximum (100%) since August 25, 2010, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder (claimed as PTSD with depression and insomnia) is rated at 30 percent, effective from November 2, 2015.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings of posttraumatic stress disorder with major depressive disorder and diabetic retinopathy due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted a 100 percent initial disability rating for PTSD prior to March 7, 2017. The claims for service connection of low back disability, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, residuals of TBI, and migraine headaches are remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and polysubstance dependence is being remanded for additional medical evaluation due to the lapse in time since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected low back disability. The Veteran's low back disability remains at a 40% rating due to the current flexion limitation of less than 30 degrees.

The Board has determined that the July 2015 rating decision properly severed service connection for a depressive disorder, and dismissed the claim of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for a depressive disorder.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for major depressive disorder with comorbid anxiety and latent PTSD from February 20, 2013 to September 30, 2017 was denied as the evidence did not establish occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms.,The Veteran's increased rating for major depressive disorder with comorbid anxiety and latent PTSD from October 1, 2017 was also denied because her symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 70% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examination and records, as well as further adjudication of the service connection claim for epilepsy. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are being evaluated in light of their onset during service or secondary to his epilepsy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder with depression has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss remains pending and is being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that her current psychiatric disorders are not related to her military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70% disabling, but the claim for a higher rating is denied. The Veteran also received TDIU effective February 28, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of depression.,Service connection for the neck disorder was also denied, with the Board finding that the current condition is less likely related to his in-service back injury.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for depression and anxiety have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is pending.