Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder is granted as service-connected. The issues of service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and a heart disease (claimed residual of a heart attack) are remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as of November 1, 2016 due to her service-connected disabilities preventing her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's MDD has worsened since his last VA examination in September 2017, and additional evidence is needed to determine the current severity of his condition. The RO must obtain his VA treatment records from April 2018 to present and schedule him for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his depressive disorder with anxious distress was granted, and he is now receiving a 70 percent disability rating. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board dismissed the appeal for an earlier effective date because the RO (AOJ) has not adjudicated this issue, and the claimant must first have it addressed by the RO.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, right wrist disability, left shoulder disability, and psychiatric disability (depression). The appeals are remanded for further development.

The Board has expanded the issue to include any psychiatric disability due to the Veteran's reported duties as a casualty notification officer. A VA examination is needed to determine if PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD and other mental health conditions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated medical records, conduct a VA examination, and address the issues of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and schizoaffective disorder, is granted as service connected. The claim for a sleep disorder (obstructive sleep apnea) is denied. The increased rating for asthma prior to February 4, 2014, remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than November 17, 2004 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to January 14, 2013 on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.,Prior to March 21, 2019, the Veteran met the schedular requirements for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim on appeal can be decided, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder NOS was dismissed as it has already been adjudicated.,Higher ratings for hypertension and hydrocephalus are denied due to the lack of evidence showing diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are currently rated at 30 percent from May 20, 2016, until March 6, 2017, and at 70 percent effective from March 7, 2017. Headaches (claimed as head injury residuals) are currently rated at 30 percent from May 20, 2016, until March 6, 2017, and at 50 percent effective from March 7, 2017. The Board has found a need for new examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal on the issue of a compensable rating for infectious skin condition.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since June 1, 2016. The Veteran is granted a 70 percent rating for this period.,The Veteran is granted TDIU effective March 13, 2020.,There are issues regarding service connection for cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy. These issues have been remanded for further review.,Service connection may be established if the condition onset in or is causally related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, is proximately due to his service-connected TBI residuals. The Board finds that a nexus has been established between the Veteran's current psychiatric condition and his service-connected TBI.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder have been shown to be related to service, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD with associated depressive disorder NOS prior to December 20, 2017 is denied. The claim for a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD with associated depressive disorder NOS prior to December 20, 2017 remains pending.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and sleep apnea as secondary to depressive disorder are granted service connection. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, arthritis of the knees, ankles, hips, and fingers, Hepatitis C, or a heart disability is denied.