Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depression, not otherwise specified, to include with secondary alcohol use disorder in remission prior to October 3, 2016, has not been manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, particularly PTSD. A new VA examination is needed to clarify these diagnoses and determine their relationship to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, anxiety and depression. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran’s current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, MDD, lumbar spine disability, and right lower extremity radiculopathy, have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since January 6, 2011. Additionally, his loss of use of both feet due to his service-connected conditions is also recognized.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the grant of service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder and a TDIU, which resolved the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depression, was not shown in service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise related to active duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder without severe psychotic features was denied by the Board. The evidence demonstrated that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and incomplete consideration of all acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and effective dates are being remanded due to procedural errors in the prior rating decision.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and somatic symptom disorder, as well as obstructive sleep apnea. The claims for a compensable rating for knee disabilities and service connection for nocturnal myoclonus secondary to OSA are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bladder condition, depression and anxiety, and sprained right ankle are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The VA will readjudicate these claims with consideration of the new evidence.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher. Additionally, the Veteran was granted a TDIU from October 6, 2003 to January 29, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder with other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder was granted, effective December 12, 2018. The Board determined that the date of receipt of the initial claim on November 21, 2013, is the earliest effective date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records and SPRs. The Veteran's depressive disorder will be evaluated to determine if it is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine and sleep apnea conditions, are found to be causally related to his psychiatric disorder. Effective dates for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy have been granted.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for PTSD with depressive disorder is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding service connection for PTSD. The appeals to reopen service connection for sinusitis with headaches, allergic rhinitis, and anemia were granted. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and anxiety).

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as PTSD, major depressive disorder, mood disorder, bipolar II disorder, anxiety disorder, and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, based on the Veteran's reported military sexual trauma during her active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened, but the Board finds that there is no evidence to support a grant of service connection.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis remains denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for dysthymic disorder and not otherwise specified depressive disorder has been remanded due to the addition of new evidence.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are granted with a 10% rating prior to April 16, 2019. Ratings for the right wrist, left ankle, left ear hearing loss, costochondritis-mid sternal (chest pain), and unspecified depressive disorder remain denied.,Service connection for heartburn and gastrointestinal disability is remanded.