Depression decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD with MDD is being remanded due to the failure to provide a VA examination in connection with his July 2019 claim.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to a duty to assist error. He needs an examination to determine if he requires aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

An effective date of April 19, 2017 for the assignment of a 50 percent disability rating for migraines with tension headaches is granted.,An effective date prior to February 12, 2019 for the assignment of a 70 percent disability rating for persistent depressive disorder with sleep disruption is denied.

The Board has found the VA examination opinion inadequate for service connection of depressive disorder and secondary to lung carcinoma. The Veteran will need a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and an acquired psychiatric condition (unspecified depressive disorder) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical disabilities. The decision is based on evidence showing continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a maximum 100 percent disability rating effective December 3, 2013.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to major depressive disorder was also granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD and MDD, is found to be etiologically related to military sexual trauma that occurred during service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date for TDIU from July 31, 2012. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment as of this date.

The Veteran's anxiety and depression symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating after March 18, 2019. The Board found that his symptoms were more consistent with a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as he does not have any service-connected disabilities. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, heart palpitations, alcohol abuse (claimed as necrotizing pancreatitis), and an acquired psychiatric disability to obtain additional records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining clarifying etiological opinions and SSA records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for examinations addressing his service-connected disabilities and their impact on employment.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically whether his suicide was due to a mental health disability related to service.

The Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder is granted service connection. Service connection for migraine headaches and sleep apnea are denied as they are not secondary to his MDD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and anxiety, has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The appeal is granted.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder, as it is not related to active service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including their relationship to service and a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a left hip disorder has been granted. The Board has also remanded the claims for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, as secondary to the left hip disorder.

A rating of more than 10 percent for tinnitus is denied.,An earlier effective date of January 4, 2017, for the increased rating to 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss is granted.,The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of service connection for chronic PTSD with anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and for major depressive disorder is granted.,Service connection for recurrent major depressive disorder is granted.,The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of service connection for chronic headaches is granted.,Service connection for migraine headaches is granted.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is granted.,The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of service connection for a low back condition is granted.,The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of service connection for sinusitis is denied.,The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of service connection for a chronic enlarged prostate is granted.,The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of service connection for chronic erectile dysfunction is granted.,The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of service connection for chronic kidney disease is denied.