Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since November 26, 2018. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and depressive disorder) and sleep apnea have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, is denied as the evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the failure of the RO to obtain all SSA records, including non-medical records. The VA is requested to schedule a VA examination for an opinion on whether his acquired psychiatric disability and headaches are proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected left ear disabilities.

The Board has restored the 50 percent rating for MDD effective August 1, 2015. The issue of an increased rating for MDD from June 18, 2014 is remanded.

The Veteran's depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total occupational and social impairment. The Board found that a rating in excess of 70 percent is not warranted as the clinical evidence clearly shows that the severe cognitive and social impairment was due to his nonservice-connected dementia rather than the service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and associated alcohol dependence, depression, and anxiety are granted as they are related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating greater than 30 percent for PTSD prior to February 10, 2016 was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not show occupational and social impairment warranting such a higher rating during this period.,The appeals for service connection for low back disorder, migraine headaches, and chest pains radiating to left arm were also REMANDED as additional development is required.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, both secondary to PTSD. Service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury is denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant died during the pendency of the case and there are no surviving eligible persons to continue the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, numbness of the right leg, and numbness of the left leg as secondary to service-connected residuals of colon cancer. The Veteran's CAD is rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, is remanded due to the failure to appear for a VA examination. The Board finds that there was no indication of good cause for the Veteran's absence and affords him the benefit of the doubt.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and poly-substance use disorder, in remission, prior to November 20, 2018, did not meet the criteria for a disability rating higher than 50 percent due to occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral pes planus and major depressive disorder severe, recurrent, with anxious distress and mood congruent psychotic features have been granted. The effective dates for these awards are set at December 5, 2002.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for unspecified depressive disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs a new examination to assess his current depression severity, and updated VA medical records are needed. Additionally, the AOJ should send the Veteran a formal application for TDIU (VA Form 21-8940) and adjudicate the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and for TDIU due to additional evidentiary development, including obtaining updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's initial rating for left hip disability is granted at 70 percent, effective from the date of claim. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has withdrawn the claims of service connection for urticaria and angioedema. The issues of service connection for lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder/anxiety/PTSD), TBI (head injury), right ankle disorder, erectile dysfunction (ED), chronic pain syndrome, hypertension, digestive disorder, and sleep disorder have been remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for anxiety, depression, and insomnia due to a need for additional medical evaluation and clarification regarding the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.