Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities, including chronic adjustment disorder and major depressive disorder, are secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine condition. The claim for PTSD is denied as the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD based on in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder was denied. The Board found that there was no formal or informal claim prior to July 24, 2007. For the increased rating and TDIU claims, the Veteran is currently service-connected for PTSD with major depressive disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint syndrome, hypertension, lumbar strain, bilateral shoulder disabilities, a left ankle disability, GERD, a left knee disability, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, bilateral tinea pedis, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board found that the Veteran was unemployable from May 25, 2010 to March 6, 2013 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent effective September 10, 2010. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected PTSD or residuals of service-connected facial injuries is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, major depressive disorder (MDD), and migraine headaches. The claims were reopened based on new evidence submitted since the previous denials.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, as secondary to service-connected tinnitus, and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional records and information regarding the VA psychologist's credentials.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU effective January 28, 2013.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive disorder, was granted. Service connection is also granted for the residuals of the left scapula with a rating of 20 percent effective June 18, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for status post cervical discectomy with intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis, migraines, and depression with anxiety as these conditions are related to a neck injury sustained during active duty training in April 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder and other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorder are related to his service in the Republic of Vietnam, specifically his exposure to war-time environment.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is granted a 30 percent disability evaluation for the period prior to January 2, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disabilities, specifically PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, MDD, and GAD.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent prior to May 19, 2014 and 70 percent thereafter. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus as secondary to service-connected left foot plantar wart removal is granted. The appeal for an increased rating is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to April 22, 2009 is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress. The Veteran is seeking a higher rating, but his appeal was also remanded due to issues related to the reduction in his disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including depression, lumbar spine disability, intervertebral osteochondrosis, C3-C4, C6-C7, bilateral hearing loss, parotid gland neoplasm, and peripheral neuropathy have been granted with effective dates of May 20, 2011.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has also been granted with an effective date of January 30, 2009.

The Veteran's left and right Achilles tendonitis with plantar heel spurs, major depressive disorder, and migraine headaches have been granted increased ratings of 20 percent each, effective March 15, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety.,Service connection is also granted for a headache disorder, sinus condition, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and an initial compensable rating prior to December 26, 2018, and a rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter for bilateral hearing loss disability were both denied by the Board.