Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder are currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for these conditions. The Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his depressive disorder, left knee, left shoulder, and lumbar spine disabilities is being remanded due to the need for more contemporaneous examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder and orthostatic hypotension, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors.

The Veteran's current PTSD with major depressive disorder and secondary alcohol dependence are caused by his in-service motor vehicle accident, which is considered a direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorder and PTSD. Additional development is needed, such as obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service or any incident in service, and to address the Veteran's allegations of PTSD stemming from an assault.

The Veteran's bilateral open angle glaucoma is rated at 90 percent, and he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to March 16, 2018.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer and mental illness, and has remanded the issue of service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal in July 2020, indicating satisfaction with the decision.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected depressive disorder was denied. Prior to July 27, 2018, the Veteran received a 30 percent rating. After that date, he received a 70 percent rating.,The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is currently rated at 70 percent prior to December 20, 2019. The evidence shows symptoms causing occupational and social impairment but not total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was denied. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, was granted. Service connection for PTSD was denied. Other claims were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder (MDD), is being remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his current MDD.

The Veteran's right inguinal hernia is rated at 10 percent, and his depressive disorder renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder) but denied service connection for a liver condition (claimed as Hepatitis C and alcoholic liver).

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and found that the Veteran was not entitled to TDIU from November 3, 2016 to October 16, 2018 due to her major depressive disorder. The issue of TDIU from October 16, 2018 onward is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorders, as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the compensable rating for residuals of cellulitis other than scars. The service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder is denied as it is not proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected cellulitis scars.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to incomplete development in the previous remands.

The Veteran's mental health condition, including PTSD, MDD, and Panic Disorder, has resulted in total occupational and social impairment since June 10, 2013. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for these conditions effective October 30, 2019. Additionally, the Veteran was granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.