Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied, with effective dates set at August 9, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus type II, rendered him incapable of securing and following a substantially gainful occupation from December 12, 2013. The Board granted an earlier effective date for the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain and his claims for service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder are both granted. The Veteran is also remanded for further development regarding the claim for service connection for migraine headaches.

The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for hearing loss is dismissed as a freestanding claim.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for adjustment disorder with depression, left upper extremity weakness, and right upper extremity weakness are denied because the earliest effective dates have already been assigned.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder is remanded due to inadequate VA examination. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Veteran's PTSD and related neuropsychiatric disability are rated at a 70 percent rating from July 7, 2008. A higher initial rating for stroke residuals is denied. The Veteran is granted TDIU status from the same date.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder functionally impaired his ability to secure or follow any occupation beyond marginal employment in a protected environment from April 2, 2010 to March 18, 2015. The Board granted the TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his in-service stressors. The appeal is therefore granted.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for depression, left foot disability, and bilateral hand disability has been granted.,New evidence shows that the Veteran experienced pain in her hands which can constitute a disability. Her claim of service connection for bilateral hand disability is reopened.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted a disability rating of 70 percent, effective throughout the appeal period. The claim for TDIU is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets criteria for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The examiner will also assess whether any identified disabilities are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for alcohol use disorder as secondary to a service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (MDD). The evidence did not support finding that his alcohol use disorder was due to or caused by any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety and major depressive disorder, finding that these conditions are secondary to her service-connected metatarsalgia and chronic paravertebral lumbar strain.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right shoulder disorder, and bilateral hand disorders due to new evidence submitted after the September 2020 rating decision. The claims are remanded for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the regular need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for headaches, dizziness, and depression due to inadequate development. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to major depressive disorder and individual unemployability prior to July 12, 2017 due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for insomnia, depression, a left ankle disorder, migraine headaches, and a right ankle disorder have been dismissed. The issues of service connection for migraine headaches and a right ankle disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (dysthymic disorder and depression) due to VA treatment. The Veteran contends that her conditions were caused or aggravated by VA care.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically anxiety and depression.