Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with the claims as they are no longer valid.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the Appellant withdrew it, and no errors of fact or law were alleged.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature of his in-service stressors and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a 100% disability rating from October 15, 1999. The Board found that the condition resulted in virtual isolation and totally incapacitating psychoneurotic symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor ankylosis of either knee. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle with adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric condition including depression, and migraine headaches due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his hearing loss, as well as an addendum medical opinion to determine the nature, etiology, symptoms, and severity of his acquired psychiatric condition (including depression) and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not compensable, as his right ear has a maximum rating of Level VI and left ear has a maximum rating of Level I.,Service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder was granted based on exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to clarify the Veteran's current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, depression), and restless leg syndrome due to inadequate rationale in previous VA opinions and potential duty-to-assist issues.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, was rated at 70 percent prior to November 12, 2018. The claim for an increased rating is denied. TDIU from May 29, 2012 to November 12, 2018, has been granted.

The Veteran's right shoulder bursitis is rated at 20% prior to March 18, 2021 and 30% thereafter. The claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder with psychotic features from March 18, 2021 onwards is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, depression, and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has ordered a new medical opinion to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, and whether they are related to his service-connected DVT.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent effective October 11, 2016, but no earlier. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has ordered remand due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for updated VA records. The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, is being evaluated for staged ratings.

An initial 50 percent rating for a service-connected psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD with an unspecified depressive disorder and cannabis use disorder) from October 8, 2014 to June 28, 2017 is granted. A rating greater than 50 percent for the same condition thereafter is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and TDIU due to the complexity of the medical issues involved.

The Board has denied a higher rating for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder with features of GAD and PTSD, but the Court found inadequate reasons and bases in the decision. The case is being remanded to address the impact of the Veteran's reported passive suicidal ideation and inconsistently reported auditory and visual hallucinations on her functioning.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals and unspecified depressive disorder have been remanded for further evaluation. The service connection for prostate cancer residuals remains denied, while the increased evaluation for unspecified depressive disorder is pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error in failing to address the possibility of aggravation under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.