Depression decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to outstanding claims of service connection and incomplete SSA records. The Veteran's representative submitted additional medical evidence that could impact the TDIU determination, so these issues must be addressed prior to further adjudication.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 50 percent, and the appeal for higher ratings has been denied. The scar associated with his low back disability was granted a non-compensable rating prior to April 18, 2017, and a compensable rating from that date onward.

The Veteran's mental health disability, specifically PTSD and major depressive disorder, is currently rated at 70 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100% rating due to total occupational and social impairment. However, the Veteran was granted TDIU since February 21, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected left eye traumatic cataract and depression associated with it have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his vision impairment and mental health issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented her from securing or following gainful employment for the period from August 14, 2007 to October 18, 2016. From October 18, 2016 to January 25, 2017, she had a combined disability rating of 100 percent and none of her disabilities alone rendered her unemployable.

The Veteran's depression resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent disability rating for the period beginning April 5, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea with bronchial asthma and unspecified depressive disorder, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, is rated at 50 percent. The symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial and higher evaluations for service-connected unspecified depressive disorder are granted, but the claims for other conditions remain pending.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder with panic attacks, depression and PTSD, as well as a rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD). The reasons include needing additional VA mental health examination opinions and obtaining private treatment records from non-VA providers.

Service connection is denied for right shoulder, left shoulder, and hypertension disorders.,Service connection is granted for unspecified mental health disorder (depressive disorder with anxious distress features), sleep apnea, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) and inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to May 4, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and clarification of certain information.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment, as he does not have a loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor any other qualifying condition.

The Veteran's headaches and psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are granted as service connected. The case is remanded for additional development regarding the psychiatric disorder claim.

The Board dismissed all claims of service connection due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 13, 2019 due to insufficient evidence showing that he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and further development of evidence.