Depression decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric symptoms are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and he is granted a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and tinea cruris, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service. The other issues on appeal have been remanded.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for higher ratings for migraine headaches and major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder, leading to their dismissal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and unspecified depression, is granted as service connected due to its onset during his combat service in Iraq.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for depressive disorder and left knee scar were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 50 percent for the depressive disorder prior to December 19, 2019 or a rating in excess of 70 percent since then. For the left knee scar, no compensable rating was assigned as the scars were not painful or unstable and did not affect an area greater than 39 square centimeters.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder (MDD), is granted as his current diagnosis and treatment history are consistent with having had the condition during his military service.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was resolved in favor of the Veteran with a full grant of benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases provided in their previous decision regarding the Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, specifically addressing his occupational impairment.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for major depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional development of his records.

The Board has remanded the case due to new information suggesting that the Veteran's PTSD may be related to his tinnitus, a service-connected condition. The case will need further examination and development.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent since November 10, 2008. The TDIU rating is granted effective July 21, 2015. Both issues are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression with alcohol and cannabis dependence, has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of such a condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that the additional evidence received since her initial denial supports a grant of benefits.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, variably diagnosed as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The decision is based on evidence showing that his current psychiatric conditions are related to events he experienced during his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, a depressive disorder, and an other specified depressive disorder and other trauma-and-stressor-related disorder due to MST. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported military sexual assault during service.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and major depression, as well as for an earlier effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), have been dismissed due to the Veteran requesting Higher-Level Review.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizophrenia, depression, and personality disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate explanation of the November 2018 VA opinion and because the Veteran submitted a private opinion indicating he has PTSD from his military service. The AOJ must attempt to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors, send the claims file for an addendum opinion, and ensure all development actions are completed.