Depression decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining employment, despite significant physical and mental impairments.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to make a decision on the Veteran's TDIU claim and requires additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining an opinion from a VA vocational expert or another qualified professional.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder has been granted.,The claims for COPD, residuals of a right hamstring pull, bilateral hand disability, bilateral arm disability, and bilateral leg disability (other than residuals of a right hamstring pull) have not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified adjustment disorder, anxiety, insomnia and nightmare disorder, and depression. The Veteran's chronic headaches have also been granted service connection.

The Veteran's case is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess her current thyroid cancer and depression severity.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was found to not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 30 percent prior to January 8, 2018 and greater than 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran is granted a higher level of SMC at the intermediate rate between subsections (m) and (n), as his psychiatric disability, on its own, requires aid and attendance. He also has another separate disability rated at 100 percent due to low back pain, which necessitates aid and attendance.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues related to service connection, including asthma, ankle disability, depression, foot condition, low back condition, neck condition, right knee condition, sinusitis, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran is granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective September 25, 2019 due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for depression and anxiety is granted, but the issue of entitlement to service connection remains remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if service connection can be granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The examiner is asked to consider whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorder was superimposed on the Veteran's preexisting personality disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was found to have caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to December 15, 2016. However, the evidence did not demonstrate more severe symptoms warranting a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and addressing whether service-connected bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy can be rated based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's initial claim for a disability rating of 30 percent for his service-connected other specified depressive disorder with anxious distress was granted prior to April 9, 2019. From that date forward, he is now rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depression was initially rated at 50 percent prior to September 12, 2018 and denied a higher rating. For the period from September 12, 2018 onwards, he is still denied a higher rating.,For his right shoulder impingement, chronic low back strain with myofascial pain, and cervical spine degenerative arthritis, the Veteran's claims are pending as they have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 50 percent for major depressive disorder disability is granted, effective from December 5, 2011. The appeal is remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from September 13, 2020. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, are related to his service in Afghanistan. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is related to his military service, specifically his reported MST. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing substantially gainful employment during the appeal period, and therefore his claim for a TDIU was denied.