Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder does not alone preclude him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation, so his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate compliance with prior remand instructions, specifically regarding a VA examination for service connection of TBI and its residuals. The Veteran's claim is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome is rated at 20 percent, and his TDIU claim for service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or following substantially gainful employment prior to September 1, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorders (other than PTSD) are due to aggravation of his personality disorder in service. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it may impact the outcome of the service connection claim.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD and a major depressive disorder. The TDIU claim is granted due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, Type II and unspecified depressive disorder due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l). The Board finds the preponderance of the evidence supports this finding.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression. The rating for the low back disability remains remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since September 17, 2018. The Board has granted TDIU from that date.

The Veteran's post traumatic headaches have been granted a 50 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision. The TBI and associated mental health conditions are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his major depressive disorder and sleep apnea, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since June 28, 2011. The Board has granted a TDIU for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The effective dates for his service-connected conditions remain March 31, 2016.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided in August 2018 are inadequate and remanded for further action. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder, and a bilateral leg condition, to include chronic thrombophlebitis and deep venous thrombosis claimed as blood clots, are being returned to the RO for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to military sexual trauma. The evidence did not support a finding of an in-service stressor or event that could have caused the diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 12, 2020.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The current examination did not provide sufficient rationale for its conclusions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete development and the need for additional medical opinions. The issues of service connection, TDIU, and psychosis are all remanded.