Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's special monthly compensation at the statutory housebound rate is granted as of March 21, 2013. SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person is also granted as of April 15, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include persistent depressive disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not incurred in service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, is rated at 50 percent for the entire period on appeal. The earlier effective date claim was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal of this issue.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran experienced a personal assault during his military service which resulted in these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's major depressive disorder is secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one must be conducted to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Adjustment Disorder, Recurrent Major Depression, Alcohol Use Disorder, and Anxiety Disorder, is related to his service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted a TDIU for the period prior to January 4, 2020. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to February 12, 2014 is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to inadequate examination reports. The VA is required to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of any psychiatric disability and whether it is related to service or caused by service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) because of the need for aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's in-service psychiatric disorders/symptoms aggravated his preexisting substance use disorders, and if so, whether any psychiatric disability caused or contributed to the cause of death.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder have been rated at 50 percent for the entire period on appeal. The claim for a higher rating is denied, while the issue of TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of sleep apnea, cervical spine condition, and upper extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted a TDIU for the period from January 18, 2008 to August 9, 2009 based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded the case for further development regarding tinea pedis. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is not related to his active duty service, while there is no substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding tinea pedis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of various disabilities, including right and left ankle bursitis, OCD with major depressive disorder, anemia, and restless leg syndrome, were remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's previously diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, primary insomnia, dysthymic disorder, and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to errors in previous decisions, including failing to adequately address whether his acquired psychiatric disability was aggravated by his service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease. The case is now pending further development.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to his death.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of the medical opinions regarding service connection for back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and DIC benefits. The claims are being returned to VA for additional evaluations.