Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been remanded due to the need for additional development, including an opinion on whether his mental health conditions are proximately due or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

Service connection for adjustment disorder with depression is granted. An evaluation in excess of 20 percent prior to March 18, 2020, for a lumbar spine disability is denied.,An evaluation in excess of 40 percent beginning March 18, 2020, for a lumbar spine disability is denied. Separate evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right feet are granted.

The Board has granted service connection for persistent depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at a 70 percent disability level, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The decision also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD and related symptoms, including depression and suicidal/homicidal ideation, did not warrant an initial evaluation higher than 30 percent prior to December 10, 2007.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional medical opinions regarding his sleep apnea and its relationship to his service-connected conditions, specifically epilepsy, adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new addendum opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depression, was incurred in service.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder and denied entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, PTSD and major depressive disorder, right knee pain, left knee pain, and breathing problems have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or in-service injuries that would support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum medical opinion regarding secondary service connection for upper back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left leg disability, right knee disability, and major depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability due to lack of supporting objective medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the September 2017 medical examination, specifically regarding the likelihood of whether the Veteran's anxiety and depression were aggravated by a service-connected disability, specifically his seizure disorder. The examiner is requested to provide opinions on the etiology of the claimed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, alcohol use disorder, depression, OCD, and bipolar disorder, is denied as there was no in-service stressor to support a diagnosis of PTSD, and the evidence does not show continuity of symptomatology or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded to verify the stressor and determine if it is related to his service. The right ear hearing loss disability is also being remanded as there are no clear and unmistakable evidence that it was not aggravated by service, and a left middle finger disorder is being remanded to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD will be considered based on the verified stressor. The right ear hearing loss disability may be related to his service due to exposure to noise during service. The left middle finger disorder needs further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of Major Depressive Disorder and a higher initial evaluation for MDD from February 8, 2012 to July 18, 2017 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other specified depressive disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-5 criteria and insufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of either condition.

The Board has granted service connection for gastric cancer and liver cancer, both linked to herbicide agent exposure. The cause of the Veteran's death is also considered service-connected due to his gastric cancer. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss, arrhythmia, high cholesterol, an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely depression), and chloracne.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for their acquired psychiatric disorder, including insomnia, depression, and PTSD, has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including referral to VA’s Director of Compensation and Pension service for consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16.