Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's major depression resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since May 12, 2016. Prior to that date, the impairment was less severe.

The Board has received notification that the appellant wishes to withdraw all remaining issues, including service connection for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic, clinically diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 70 percent from October 11, 2016. A compensable rating for sarcoidosis has been denied. The Board also found that the Veteran was entitled to a TDIU effective October 11, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been more clinically characteristic of those contemplated by the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation, but no more during the period between December 10, 2012 and November 14, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD and persistent depressive disorder have been granted a 100% rating throughout the appeal period, and he is also granted a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious stress were increased to a 70 percent rating effective November 6, 2019. The Veteran was also granted TDIU effective the same date.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, diagnosed as anxiety and depressive disorder, were not incurred in service. Therefore, his claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous instructions and a need for another VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's mental health disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder and bipolar and related disorder, based on combat service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and medical opinions regarding service connection, rating, and TDIU. The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depressive disorder, diabetes, and lumbar spine disability are being reviewed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Appellant's participation in Exercise Intrinsic Action in 1997 and his psychiatric condition during service. The AOJ will gather additional records, including from D Co, 2-5 CAV, 1st CAV DIV, and obtain updated treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to new evidence indicating a possible worsening of the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability and because the issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his pre-existing condition was aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder was found to have started during service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding her psychiatric disorder, particularly whether it began during active service. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 70 percent prior to September 15, 2018. The RO granted a temporary 100 percent rating for total left knee arthroplasty from January 16, 2014 to February 28, 2018 and granted separate ratings of 30 percent for left knee osteoarthritis with total left knee arthroplasty (left knee disability) and a 20 percent rating for instability of the left knee. The RO also granted a 30 percent rating for right knee disability from March 1, 2018 and a separate 20 percent rating for instability of the right knee.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed due to their death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board has decided that a remand is required due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression.