Depression decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to incomplete development of evidence. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is being reviewed, and his TDIU claim will be reconsidered after the service connection issue is resolved.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in both the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and PTSD, as the current evidence does not provide sufficient information to determine if these conditions are related to his service. The VA examinations conducted did not address all aspects of the claims, particularly regarding the stressors claimed by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal resulted in a higher rating for his depressive disorder from December 15, 2013, to 50 percent.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for rectal incontinence. The Board granted service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to military sexual trauma (MST) during active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete VA examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep disorders other than obstructive sleep apnea and back conditions, but has remanded the issues of service connection for psychiatric disorders due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's claim for a headache disorder was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of a chronic headache disability.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder with anxiety and anxiety is set at September 12, 2013, which is when the Veteran filed an informal claim.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for dermatitis is set at October 7, 2013, based on a telephone call from the Veteran to VA requesting service connection for his skin rash and other disabilities.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for a scar due to back surgery is set at July 8, 2014, which is when the Veteran underwent the surgery resulting in the scar.,The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation greater than 10 percent for his service-connected dermatitis was denied as it does not meet the criteria for such a rating under the applicable VA regulations.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to issues with the July 2017 VA examination and because additional development is required on the claim of a TDIU rating, which is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD claim.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for major depressive disorder, entitlement to a higher initial rating for insomnia, and entitlement to a TDIU for sleep apnea due to procedural issues and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection, aggravation of conditions, and rating determinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale provided for the denial of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and related conditions. The Veteran's stressors need clarification, and a new VA examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Unspecified Depressive Disorder, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia as related to service in the Persian Gulf.

The Veteran's MDD symptoms have been severe enough to warrant a 70 percent disability rating prior to April 10, 2012. However, the evidence does not indicate total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety and depression (claimed as PTSD). The case will be reviewed again with a new examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since September 8, 2006. The Board granted TDIU as of September 8, 2006.

The Veteran's son, LAF Jr., was permanently incapable of self-support due to a mental condition prior to his 18th birthday and is now recognized as a helpless child for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's initial 70 percent disability rating for service-connected depressive disorder is granted, along with a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 3, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for anxiety disorder (previously diagnosed as major depressive disorder) is dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

Service connection is granted for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and manic depression.,Service connection is also granted for a low back disability. However, service connection for sinusitis or allergies and headaches remains pending as additional evidence is needed.