Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and need for a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for Parkinson's disease, dementia, a psychiatric disorder other than dementia including PTSD and depression, and a back disorder due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as his conditions are not related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and requests for additional Social Security Administration records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development and requests for additional records. The Veteran's daughter is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder has been granted a disability rating of 50 percent since the inception of the appeal, and 70 percent from December 1, 2016. The claim is based on new evidence that reopened his case.

The Board denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, finding that VA's care did not proximately cause the Veteran's death by suicide.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination. The issues include low back disability, neck disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and TDIU due to issues with compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for depression before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's depressive disorder NOS was rated at 50 percent prior to January 21, 2014 and increased to 70 percent effective January 21, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran met the criteria for a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and readjudication due to inconsistencies in previous decisions. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and/or depression, is being reviewed with additional VA clinical records from 1981 to 2007. Service connection for left hand neuropathy secondary to a service-connected left shoulder disability will also be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran was entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance prior to his death. The examiner is requested to consider the specific impairing attributes associated with each of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder prior to November 9, 2018 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for PTSD and TBI residuals from November 9, 2018 was also denied.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for PTSD with depressive disorder is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as due to aggravation of a pre-existing condition, but denied service connection for traumatic brain injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran's service treatment records show multiple psychological complaints, but a definitive link between these conditions and his current diagnoses is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are currently rated at 50% prior to April 4, 2017, and 70% thereafter. The right knee DJD is rated at 10%, with separate ratings for locking (20%) and lateral instability (10%).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective September 10, 2013.,The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection in April 2014 with an initial compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is now rated at 70 percent effective April 18, 2016. Prior to this date, her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete personnel records and inconsistencies in his statements regarding the onset of various conditions. The issues will be reconsidered after obtaining all available service records.