Depression decisions — 2021

The Board has withdrawn the veteran's claims for higher ratings for left ureter stricture and gastritis, as the appellant expressed her desire to withdraw these claims. The issues of earlier effective dates for a 70 percent rating for an acquired psychiatric disability including major depressive disorder and TDIU are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and verifying an in-service stressor related to PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, MDD, and panic disorder, is related to active service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and adjustment disorder with mixed emotional reaction (claimed as depression), are denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and lumbar strain are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for various service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine disability, depressive disorder, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The case is also being remanded to consider an earlier effective date for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions and their relation to service. The Veteran needs a VA examination to clarify his in-service stressors, reconcile private and VA treatment records, and determine if any other acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions were dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary to obtain missing VA Vet Center records and the Veteran's private treatment records. The claims for increased ratings for PTSD, TBI residuals, asthma, and TDIU are being remanded.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric diagnoses were related to his service and granting the benefit of doubt.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate reasons and bases in its May 2020 decision, requiring a VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional examinations and development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and SSA earnings statements. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding that his current mental health conditions were related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was reduced from a 100% rating to a 70% rating in September 2018. The RO has now restored the 100% rating for PTSD effective December 1, 2018.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding multiple service connection claims due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for vertigo was denied. The claim for service connection for persistent depression with anxiety is granted, and the claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is reopened.,The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and migraine headaches are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective December 7, 2017 for the Veteran's service-connected MDD and right ankle disorder. The earlier effective date for MDD remains at May 23, 2013, as no earlier effective date is available under applicable law.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is granted service connection. Service connection for vertigo and rod in the right leg are denied.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar myositis and service connection for a psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain relevant records, schedule an appropriate examination, and provide a medical opinion.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for disseminated strongyloides infection was denied. Separate ratings were granted for gastrointestinal symptoms, weakness and fatigue symptoms, urinary incontinence, and respiratory symptoms. The Veteran also received a TDIU from February 1, 2014, and SMC at the housebound rate prior to November 1, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include left foot disability, left knee disability (secondary), and psychiatric disability.