Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's epididymitis with hydrocele has been granted a noncompensable rating.,New and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the previously denied and final claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, hernia, and an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's effective date for a 100% disability rating for his psychiatric condition was granted as of August 6, 2014.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for asbestosis is granted. The claims for major depressive disorder and mood disorder are dismissed. The issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asbestosis, COPD, and asthma, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to incomplete records, including VA treatment records from before 2010 and private medical records from various providers. The Veteran is asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain these records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and tension headaches (migraines), have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for depression has been denied due to lack of evidence showing the disability was caused by VA care.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for indigestion acid reflux, secondary to headaches, has been denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches remains pending and requires further examination to determine if they are related to service or due to another service-connected disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, secondary to headaches, has been denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and cervical strain, both secondary to his right ankle disability, remain pending and require further examination to determine if they are related to service or due to another service-connected disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, secondary to his right ankle disability, remains pending and requires further examination to determine if it is related to service or due to another service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder was reduced from a 70 percent to a 30 percent disability rating, and the Board is remanding this issue due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for PTSD with MDD and TDIU are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA is required to obtain SSA records relevant to her disability benefits claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 7, 2014, and in excess of 50 percent on and after January 7, 2014, for a not otherwise specified depressive disorder; for a rating in excess of 40 percent for sacroiliac arthroplasty with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and lumbosacral spine limitation of motion; for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right hip degenerative arthritis with tendinitis and sacroiliitis; and for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left hip degenerative arthritis with tendinitis and sacroiliitis.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to concerns about the sufficiency of medical opinions and the need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are permanently aggravated by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. Updated VA treatment records are needed, and a new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,TDIU from March 13, 2012, was denied as the Veteran has been gainfully employed during this period.,Right ear hearing loss and fibromyalgia were both denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.,Uterine fibroids are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his current anxiety disorder and depression are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with Persistent Depressive Disorder from November 5, 2015 was denied. The initial disability evaluation prior to that date was granted at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for major depressive disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for colitis is granted, and the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a claimed stressor event, and additional development is needed for the periods of September 15, 1968 through December 31, 1968, and January 1, 1970 through March 19, 1970.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia with anxious distress, has been rated at 50 percent since June 9, 2017. The Board denied an increased rating beyond this level.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete record development and need for additional medical opinions. The issues include psychiatric disorders, migraine headaches, muscle spasms of the back and legs (separate from lumbar spine disability), neck disorder, and right ear hearing loss.