Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his current conditions and his military service. A VA examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. Service connection is established for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder and PTSD), a right ankle disability, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to outstanding private disability records.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder renders him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU. The claim for nonservice-connected pension is moot as it was superseded by the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for PTSD, scars, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (to include ADHD) and a chronic headache disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. The VA is required to provide an examination or obtain a medical opinion in order to make a decision on these claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, MDD, anxiety and CAD, are found to be related to his service in Damascus, Syria. The Board granted the claim of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder requires additional development as there are incomplete medical records. The Board is requesting the Veteran to provide authorization and identify private treatment records from 2005 to 2006 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

The Veteran's hypertension and GERD ratings are granted, but her claims for service connection of various conditions are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is granted, and the issues of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar I Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, temporary total disability rating for hospitalization, and TDIU due to additional development needed. Specifically, records from in-service mental health treatment are required, as well as personnel records regarding an Article 15 incident.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and erectile dysfunction as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim of service connection for a back disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was dismissed as the Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal prior to the Board decision.

The Board has granted service connection for traumatic brain injury, migraine headaches, and major depressive disorder.,All three conditions were found to be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's daughter's claim for VA benefits as a helpless child due to her inability to support herself before turning 18, citing evidence of physical and emotional limitations but not permanent incapacity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder was denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral knee condition was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and the nature of his acquired psychiatric disorders. The VA is required to attempt to corroborate the Veteran’s reported stressors, obtain Social Security Administration records, and schedule a psychiatric examination.

The Board has assigned an effective date of August 16, 1989 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with major depression and alcohol abuse. However, the TDIU claim is remanded as it is dependent on the evaluation of the acquired psychiatric disorder from August 16, 1989 to July 10, 2001.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, depressive disorder, and PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.