Depression decisions — 2021

Service connection is granted for schizophrenia, but not for depression with psychosis or PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 70 percent disabling from March 19, 2015 to August 21, 2018. The criteria for a higher rating are not met during this period.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, finding that the Veteran suffered from this condition during his active military service and resolving all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a more current examination of his psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and panic attacks are currently rated at 70 percent. The Board denied the claim for an increased rating to a higher level of disability. Additionally, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding his claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder from September 3, 2015.,A new issue has been added to the appeal: entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for depressive disorder from September 3, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that her service-connected conditions do not render her incapable of securing or following any substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims and rating appeals due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus, and multiple orthopedic conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and missing VA treatment records. The Veteran's depression may be related to service or secondary to his liver cancer, but more evidence is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder renders him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a finding of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's right shoulder fracture is currently rated at 20% and his depressive disorder has been granted. The issue of service connection for migraine headaches remains pending.,Further medical evaluation and opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran's migraines are secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral ankle disability and acquired psychiatric disability due to a lack of VA examination before death, requiring further medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine and irritable bowel syndrome have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His TDIU claim is granted from September 13, 2016.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and unspecified trauma stressor related disorder with other specified depressive disorder, are found to be service-connected as they are linked to his in-service experiences.

The Veteran's current PTSD and MDD are found to have resulted from his service in Somalia, during his period of honorable active duty. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU has been reopened and readjudicated due to new evidence. The PTSD rating remains at 50 percent prior to February 13, 2020.

The Veteran's neurobehavioral effects, including carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, dizziness, vertigo, autonomic neuropathy, anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, may be related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during service. The Board finds a need for further examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.