Depression decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability, cervical spine disability, and erectile dysfunction are inadequate. Therefore, these issues must be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, anxiety and sleep and mood disorders is denied. The Board also remanded the claims of service connection for right and left fallen arches and heel pain, right and left plantar fasciitis, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, sinusitis, and acid reflux (GERD).

The Veteran's service-connected pervasive depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since June 10, 2019.

The Board has remanded the cases of lumbar spine disability, right ear hearing loss, and major depressive disorder due to lack of clarity in the evidence regarding their onset or relationship to service.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD was granted. The claims for major depressive disorder, bilateral dry eye syndrome and chalazion of the left lower lid, and osteoarthritis of bilateral knees were also reopened.,Service connection for bilateral dry eye syndrome and chalazion of the left lower lid is granted as secondary to service-connected blepharitis. Service connection for osteoarthritis of bilateral knees remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to address the nature and etiology of current psychiatric diagnoses, including whether any are related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran is seeking service connection for anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board dismissed all the appeals as they are related to deceased Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression, claimed as secondary to service-connected Bell's Palsy, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's service connection claims are pending.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was previously rated at 10 percent prior to January 23, 2020, and increased to 20 percent thereafter. The appeal is remanded for further development.,The VA examiner did not diagnose the Veteran with an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and depression. The appeal is also remanded for a new examination.

The Board has dismissed the issue of an effective date prior to July 27, 2015 for the grant of service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder. The remaining issues have been REMANDED for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric conditions, including insomnia, alcohol use disorder, unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder, major depressive disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia, is granted as incurred during service.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied in December 2018, and he did not appeal. He filed a new claim on June 22, 2020, which was granted effective from that date.

The Board's decision is vacated and the claims for service connection are remanded due to a clear and unmistakable error in failing to acknowledge previous diagnoses of major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for psychiatric disability and gynecological disability have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD and to include depressive disorder, finding no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.