Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are granted service connection, while her lumbar spine disability is granted a higher rating from March 22, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD and left wrist fracture with residual mild chronic tendonitis were evaluated, but the claims for increased ratings were denied as they did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Veteran's request to reopen his accrued benefits claim for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was granted. The other claims were denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied. The Board also remands the claims for increased rating for PTSD and service connection for depression and anxiety disorders, to include as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and depressive disorder is granted as the evidence supports a current diagnosis of these conditions related to his active duty service.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on aid and attendance from January 30, 2019 onward. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound benefits from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019 is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for SMC T (based on a higher level of SMC under subsection (t)) has been reasonably raised by the record. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019 is remanded.,The earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the upper extremities prior to February 9, 2021 remains pending.

The Veteran's left ankle disability has been granted a 10 percent rating, effective from November 9, 2021.,Service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, left ankle arthritis, left ankle scar, and eczema was granted on May 27, 2015.

The Board dismissed the appeals for sleep apnea, prostate hypertrophy, and major depressive disorder as the appellant withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are granted. The claim for service connection for major depressive disorder is remanded. The claim for service connection for hypothyroidism is dismissed as moot.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during or were related to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric condition(s).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial compensable ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings for his depressive disorder, headaches, and back disability. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information regarding his entitlement to a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is related to his service-connected disabilities or caused by them.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, PTSD with major depressive disorder, and a back condition is granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for the back condition is remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, shin splints, and hearing loss. The claims are being returned for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Major depressive disorder (MDD) is granted. The appeal regarding the claim of entitlement to service connection for Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been withdrawn.

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

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 40 percent, effective September 30, 2013. He is also in receipt of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. The TDIU was granted prior to July 17, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or at housebound rate due to his ability to perform self-care activities and ambulate with assistive devices.