Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current depression is related to her active duty service, and thus grants service connection for depression.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, right hip disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to address the nature and etiology of these conditions, as well as whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's service treatment records do not show a diagnosis of or treatment for PTSD or major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent throughout the appeal period, subject to criteria applicable to payment of monetary benefits.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Chronic Headache Disorder (claimed as Migraine headaches with vascular disease), and Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (claimed as PTSD with Depression) due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been granted for IBS and his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and GAD. The remaining claims have been remanded for further examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, resulting in its dismissal.

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the R-1 or R-2 level is remanded due to outstanding VA and non-VA treatment records. The AOJ should obtain these records and conduct further development as needed.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and CAD were denied initial ratings higher than the currently assigned ones. The diabetes mellitus was granted a 20 percent rating from November 14, 2008 to March 3, 2009.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is caused and/or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, specifically TBI with cognitive disorder, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Service connection for major depressive disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for additional VA treatment records. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and a behavioral and/or cognitive condition, are being evaluated.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in a previous opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and schizophrenia, is related to service. The examiner must provide an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent prior to June 29, 2020 and denied for a higher rating thereafter.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress, finding that new evidence supports her claim and considering her military service as a contributing factor to her current mental health condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, is rated at 50 percent from July 2, 2010. The Board found the evidence does not support higher ratings.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The appeal of service connection for a heart disability and psychiatric disability is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder) as these conditions are deemed to have been incurred during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of 70% or 100% for his major depressive disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment, thus denying a higher rating. The case is remanded for consideration of TDIU.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right ankle disability, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and service.