Depression decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically whether they can be classified as residuals of organic disease or injury, and their impact on locomotion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and diabetes mellitus. The claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is also remanded due to lack of current diagnoses.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was reopened, and he is now granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD and depression. A 30 percent rating is granted for Meniere's disease since October 2, 2009, with a separate 20 percent rating for nausea and vomiting due to Meniere's disease.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected orthopedic disabilities and/or MDD are related to his weight gain and obesity, which may be an intermediate step in causing or contributing to his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to January 7, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case will be reviewed again after obtaining a new medical opinion.

The Veteran's migraine and tension type headaches are rated at 50 percent, effective October 5, 2021.,Prior to May 22, 2019, the Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent. The Veteran's endometriosis remains rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran's endometriosis has been granted a rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is at least as likely as not related to his active duty combat service. The claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, finding that his current psychiatric issues are at least as likely as not related to his active military service.

The Board has ordered the RO to verify the Veteran's service status throughout her Reserve service, including periods of active duty and inactive duty for training. The claim will be remanded until this verification is completed.

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as his symptoms are consistent with a 70 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Major Depressive Disorder and residuals of a left eye injury, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU since August 14, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a colon disability, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support these claims. The claim for special monthly pension was also denied as there were no findings of permanent housebound status or additional disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran currently has a diagnosis of PTSD with depression related to military sexual trauma (MST) during service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and a TDIU was denied. The Board found that the psychiatric disability more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent required for higher ratings. For the TDIU claim, the Veteran was deemed unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Formula for Mental Disorders. This reflects the severity of his symptoms which include occupational and social impairment due to deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder in remission has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by her authorized representative.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Formula for Mental Disorders. This reflects the severity of his symptoms which include occupational and social impairment due to deficiencies in most areas.