Depression decisions — 2021

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no merits decision was made.

The Veteran's mood disorder not otherwise specified (PTSD and depression) resulted in occupational and social deficiencies prior to February 7, 2019. Since then, the condition has led to significant impairment in work and social functioning.,Bilateral hearing loss was denied as the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and depression as secondary to hearing loss due to outstanding records that may contain pertinent information.

The Veteran's service connection claims for depression, anxiety, PTSD, low back condition, right hand condition, hypertension, and memory loss have been granted. The claim for increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for right shoulder condition and increased initial disability rating for right knee condition remain denied.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, due to a lack of credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD and the absence of evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The Board has determined that the current evidence is insufficient to decide the claims for service connection for various conditions, and therefore, remands are issued for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and panic disorder was rated at 70 percent effective February 18, 2011. The claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Veteran's sinusitis was granted service connection. The remaining issues (psychiatric disorder, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, right eye disorder, and left eye disorder) are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for non-service-connected disability pension benefits was denied because the evidence did not establish that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and a heart disability due to unresolved issues related to these claims. The case is also being remanded for TDIU.

An effective date of September 10, 1979, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for PTSD to include major depressive disorder and insomnia disorder is granted.,The Veteran's initial disability rating for PTSD, MDD, and insomnia disorder remains at 70 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, is not service-connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after service and there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms. The Board finds the Veteran's current diagnosis of unspecified depression with anxious distress less likely related to his military service.,The Veteran's back disability is denied as there is no evidence of chronic in-service back injury, no showing of a compensable degree within one year after separation from service, and no established continuity of symptoms. The Board finds the Veteran's current diagnosis of unspecified depression with anxious distress less likely related to his military service.,The Veteran's respiratory disability (COPD) is not service-connected as there is no evidence of chronic in-service disease or injury, nor any showing of a compensable degree within one year after separation from service. The Board finds the Veteran's current diagnosis of unspecified depression with anxious distress less likely related to his military service.,The Veteran's headaches with vomiting are not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after service and there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms. The Board finds the Veteran's current diagnosis of unspecified depression with anxious distress less likely related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review the merits of these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including panic disorder with agoraphobia and major depressive disorder, GERD, bilateral plantar fasciitis, diabetes mellitus, type II, patellofemoral syndrome with degenerative changes in the right knee, residuals of left ankle injury, residuals of right ankle injury, post-operative chronic subacromial impingement with degenerative changes (right rotator cuff tear/impediment), tinnitus, and others, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 28, 2016. From July 28, 2016, the claim is dismissed as moot due to his combined disability rating of 100 percent.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death and were not related to service. The Board also found that he was not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Board has determined that there is a nexus between the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorder (Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder) and his service-connected asthma, granting service connection on a secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and missing service personnel records. The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and dysthymic disorder, are being reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and the need to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's PTSD, with MDD, OCD, alcohol use disorder, and stimulant use disorder is rated at 70 percent since the appeal period. The TDIU claim was denied.