Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service assault.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for major depressive disorder has been granted at a 100 percent rating, effective May 27, 2003. Additionally, the Veteran is now eligible for SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for their depressive disorder was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea were not incurred in or related to his active service.,The Veteran does not have a dental condition for which compensation is payable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, major depressive disorder, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury or residuals thereof, and right ear hearing loss due to various reasons including failure to report for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for further development.,Effective March 14, 2017, service connection was granted for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPWS) associated with NHL, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) associated with NHL, and Chronic Bronchitis (CB) associated with NHL.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities (including depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, bilateral knee replacements, right shoulder arthritis, and radiculopathy of all four extremities) contributed to his obesity, which in turn caused his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. The case is remanded to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his other claimed psychiatric conditions are not related to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as she withdrew her appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision. Her claims for higher ratings, service connection, and TDIU have been addressed in recent rating decisions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent from September 8, 2011, to January 6, 2020, and at 70 percent since January 7, 2020. The appeal for higher ratings has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and the Board has also remanded to determine if he has other psychiatric disabilities related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression and PTSD, has been reopened. The Board finds that new evidence submitted since the last final denial relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted, and his right knee disability remains at a 10% rating. The TBI residuals are rated as headaches and tinnitus, with separate ratings. PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted to a 50% rating prior to July 23, 2009, but denied for higher ratings thereafter.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to address service connection claims, particularly regarding psychiatric disorders and a right hip disorder.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, and adjustment disorder not otherwise specified, is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's gastritis, claimed as secondary to medication used for his service-connected disabilities, is denied as not caused or aggravated by the medications.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination to properly adjudicate the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated based on their associated symptoms, with the highest ratings not being met due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment. The right ear scar has also been remanded for further evaluation.