Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he does not meet the schedular threshold for a TDIU prior to January 30, 2019 due to his service-connected disabilities. The combined rating was at least 70% since July 30, 2013 and 100% effective since January 30, 2019.

The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected psychiatric conditions, including adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features, insomnia, major depression, PTSD, and alcohol abuse disorder, is denied. The Veteran's left knee disability and right knee disability are also denied in terms of increased ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, type II. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or are related to in-service events.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher disability rating for major depressive disorder with anxiety associated with hypertension prior to October 23, 2012 was denied.,From October 23, 2012 onwards, the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for major depressive disorder with anxiety associated with hypertension was also denied.

The Veteran's Hepatitis C is not service connected, but he is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 26, 2016 for PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied as the earliest allowable effective date has already been assigned.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been reopened. The Board is remanding this issue due to the need to corroborate in-service stressors.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened. The Board is also remanding this issue as it is inextricably intertwined with the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened. The Board is also remanding this issue as it is inextricably intertwined with the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II has been reopened. The Board is also remanding this issue as it is inextricably intertwined with the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and hypertension.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction has been reopened. The Board is also remanding this issue as it is inextricably intertwined with the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and left arm disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left arm disability has been reopened. The Board is also remanding this issue as it is inextricably intertwined with the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for TBI prior to June 27, 2013 and a higher disability rating for major depressive disorder with residuals of TBI from that date onwards. The effective date for the grant of TDIU is also being remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of a bilateral eye disorder, prostate disability, and hypertension secondary to his psychiatric disability. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder (Major Depressive Disorder) is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, as secondary to his service-connected back and left knee disabilities, and for a bilateral eye disability due to radiation exposure. The evidence did not support the presence of current diagnoses or a causal relationship with service.

The Veteran's service-connected heart and psychiatric disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since September 16, 2011. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability (unspecified depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder) is currently rated at 70 percent since August 25, 2020. The appeal for a higher rating prior to that date remains pending. Additionally, the claim for TDIU prior to August 25, 2020, is also pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need to obtain additional information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II (DM) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as regulation of activities is not required to manage DM. For TDIU prior to February 12, 2013, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were deemed insufficient to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is granted service connection. His alcohol use disorder is also granted as secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability, an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression and nervous disorder), and a disability manifested by blackout spells. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is permanently aggravated by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied.,Claims for increased ratings for depression and ischemic heart disease are also denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total social impairment. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with narcissistic traits. The case will be remanded for further action.