Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and associated major depressive disorder has been granted. The diagnosis of PTSD is linked to fear of hostile military activity during active service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran was previously denied service connection due to lack of a verified stressor.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's mental health conditions and their relationship to service. The case will be reviewed with a new examiner who will provide opinions on whether the Veteran's conditions are related to service, if they were caused by or aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to July 5, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depression, is related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for service-connected dysthymia, effective August 22, 2013. The Veteran's symptoms include suicidal ideations, depression, anxiety, and irritability without physical aggression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dyslipidemia is denied as it is not a disability under VA law and regulations.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine strain, low back pain, degenerative joint diseases of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and feet, allergic rhinitis, peptic ulcer, diverticulosis, hiatal hernia, erectile dysfunction, benign prostate hyperplasia, memory disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depression are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a total disability rating due to unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the above-mentioned issues.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service connected.,Coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia are all granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeals for an effective date prior to September 28, 2016, for service connection and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder have been dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD with PDD resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation from August 1, 2009 to May 26, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder with Persistent Depressive Disorder was granted a disability rating of 70 percent effective August 12, 2013 to February 18, 2020. The decision also denied an earlier effective date for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and erectile dysfunction. The claims of service connection for aortic valve stenosis and coronary artery disease (previously claimed as calcific aortic stenosis with chest pain), headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder including major depressive disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions on secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations. The Veteran's psychiatric claim is also remanded as new evidence suggests a DSM-5 diagnosis may be warranted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar affective disorder, depression, and PTSD. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Still's disease, bilateral hip avascular necrosis associated with Still's disease, PTSD, and depression. The conditions were not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a lung disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder and PTSD), an alcohol use disorder, a kidney disability, and a heart disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology. The lung disability is presumed related to herbicide exposure. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II has been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating determinations due to insufficient evidence or further development is needed.