Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection and rating for various conditions, including asthma, depression, sarcoidosis, hydrocephalus, and left wrist injury. The Veteran is also requested to appear for VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD with depression, right foot fractures, and recurrent blepharitis. The Board has found that the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate are met.,The Veteran does not meet the eligibility criteria for a special home adaptation grant due to lack of permanent total disability involving both hands or blindness in both eyes.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension. The claims are remanded to obtain a VA examination and etiological opinions.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and denied for tinnitus. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim remains pending as the evidence does not establish continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disability, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder (also claimed as PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to additional medical records being added to the claims file after an August 2017 Supplemental Statement of Case.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are at least as likely as not related to her military service. The decision is based on credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depressive Disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's migraine headache disability is not service-connected as it predated and was aggravated by a motor vehicle accident, not related to service.,There is no evidence of PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disability (including depressive disorder) in service. The Veteran has reported symptoms since October 2010 but lacks a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's sleep disorder remains unexplained without further medical evidence.,Bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, particularly adjustment disorder diagnosed shortly after service. The case will be reviewed again with new medical opinions and records.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, finding that his depression is proximately due to his hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but not for bilateral hearing loss or an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, sleep problems) and head trauma.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to January 19, 2019. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 22, 2011 until February 27, 2013.

The Veteran's VR&E benefits were discontinued due to her failure to cooperate with extended evaluation and the determination that achievement of a vocational goal is not currently reasonably feasible.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted as new and material evidence was received.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been reopened due to the receipt of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fractured jaw with loss of teeth has been denied as new and material evidence was not received. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, hypothyroidism, left inner ear condition, right inner ear condition, and skin condition have all been remanded due to the need for further development.,The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent from January 27, 2011 to August 21, 2018 and at 70 percent thereafter. The claims for service connection for anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, hypothyroidism, left inner ear condition, right inner ear condition, and skin condition have all been remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is not service-connected.,His erectile dysfunction and chest pain are not service-connected.

The Board denied a 100 percent rating for Major Depressive Disorder with PTSD prior to July 1, 2011, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.