Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and unaddressed in-service stressors. Further development is needed before service connection can be determined.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examinations regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims are related to his service and potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as there is no longer a controversy regarding the benefits sought on appeal, as the AOJ has already granted the claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and additional development is needed. The issues include neck, left knee, right shoulder, right knee, bilateral foot disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder and a sleep disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and VA medical treatment due to outstanding records, including reserve service records and VA/privately obtained treatment records. A VA examination is needed to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric conditions are related to active duty.

The application to reopen the claims of service connection for kidney disease and psychiatric disorder is denied. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's rating for major depressive disorder was reduced from 70% to 30%, effective January 28, 2020. The Board found that the reduction was improper due to lack of compliance with regulations and restored the original 70% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will consider whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service or her service-connected breast disability.

The Veteran's attorney requested to withdraw the appeal for a past-due benefits issue, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from October 10, 2019 due to his service-connected disabilities. Prior to this date, the evidence did not show he could secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right knee condition and an extension of special monthly compensation benefits based on housebound criteria are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and information.

The Board has granted attorney fees based on the grant of a total disability rating for compensation purposes due to individual unemployability (TDIU) in November 2018, which was part of the Veteran's claim for increased ratings for unspecified depressive disorder, left knee disability, and bilateral hallux valgus.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus type 2, and hypertension are granted service connection. The cerebral vascular accident (claimed as stroke) is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, is granted. The right foot pes planus issue is remanded.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD was denied, with a current rating of 30 percent prior to August 11, 2006, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter. The appeal is based on the criteria set forth in the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his depressive disorder and TDIU remains before the Board. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and to schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Baylor Medical Center Carrolton in Texas were reimbursed due to her service-connected conditions and the emergency nature of her condition.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary to obtain VA treatment records from Martinsburg VAMC for the period from May 2016 to present. The claims are being remanded for this purpose.

The Board has remanded both issues for further development and readjudication. The neck disability issue is being remanded due to inadequate previous opinions, while the major depression with pseudo dementia and memory loss / cognitive impairment issue is inextricably intertwined with the neck disability.

Your claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability has been fully granted as you were already awarded it in the April 2018 rating decision.