Depression decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the issues of rating for Major Depressive Disorder and a Psychiatric Disorder prior to March 25, 2019, and on and after March 25, 2019, as well as TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance eligibility prior to March 25, 2019. The Veteran was last evaluated in March 2019, and a new evaluation is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder, coronary artery disease (CAD), and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The CAD rating has been increased to 60 percent effective October 10, 2020, for the period prior to that date, and a 50 percent rating is assigned for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a TBI examination with specific training in evaluating such claims. The Veteran's depressive disorder claim is also pending, but new evidence from private treatment records must be considered by the AOJ before it can be adjudicated.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as it pertains to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a VA Form 10182 filed by the Veteran, which opted him into the modernized appeals system (AMA).

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress, due to credible in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for somatoform pain syndrome disorder with recurrent major depression and PTSD, as well as tinnitus, have been denied. The maximum schedular rating has already been assigned for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety and depression, headaches, fatigue, and insomnia are remanded due to the submission of new evidence that pertains to a previously unestablished element of the claim.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for depression prior to November 14, 2017, subject to the law and regulations governing the payment of monetary awards.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran's claims are related to in-service explosions and he is seeking direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for an acquired psychiatric disability and psoriasis have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically for retrieving outstanding records that are relevant to the claim of an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with persistent depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the March 2019 VA examination is inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, cannabis use disorder, and alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's major depression is found to be related to his service-connected hearing loss, and the Board grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition began during his active military service and is related to his in-service symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder prior to June 16, 2020 is granted. The claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent thereafter is denied. Service connection for a low back disability is denied. TDIU is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no competent evidence linking his current diagnosis of adjustment disorder and possible PTSD to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia is reopened and granted. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by a service-connected condition, specifically PTSD and Major Depression, which were related to his combat experiences in Vietnam. As such, the cause of death is considered service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of migraine headaches, depression, and psychosomatic seizures. The claim for migraine headaches was reopened based on new evidence showing current treatment but not finding a link to service. Service connection was denied for depression and psychosomatic seizures due to lack of in-service onset or relationship.

Service connection is granted for PTSD and depression with psychotic features. The Veteran's back, right knee, and left knee disorders are remanded for further evaluation.