Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective September 13, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation as they did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability, left knee disability, and major depressive disorder (secondary to other disabilities) due to lack of new and material evidence.

Service connection for PTSD and MDD is granted due to aggravation during service, while other conditions are denied.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for painful c-section scar and denied her request for an earlier effective date. The PTSD claim is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted. The issues of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent disabling for the period prior to January 14, 2019, and in excess of 30 percent disabling for the period thereafter, for service-connected depression NOS is being remanded due to additional evidence added to the record that was not considered by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's psychiatric disorders were clearly and unmistakably not aggravated by her service from June 2001 to November 2001.

The Veteran's appeal for a noninitial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder prior to January 23, 2018 and the TDIU claim prior to June 13, 2017 are dismissed due to the withdrawal of these claims by the Veteran's attorney.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for reduced cognitive function, sleep apnea claimed as sleep disturbance, skin disorder (other than eczematous dermatitis), and major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder NOS.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than an anxiety disorder, is found to be related to service. The low back disability and left ankle disability are remanded for further examination and opinion. The cervical spine disability claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is rated at 50% prior to November 29, 2018. For the period from November 29, 2018 onwards, his symptoms warrant a 70% rating.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with its previous remand directives and the matter is being remanded for an addendum VA medical opinion to consider all evidence of record, including the Veteran's military service experiences.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since December 31, 2013. The Board found that the symptoms of PTSD cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding whether any acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, preexisted service and was aggravated by service. The Veteran's claim will be further evaluated with a VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected TBI. He also receives a TDIU rating and SMC at the housebound rate effective March 18, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an examination for the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including opioid addiction and depression. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board dismissed the appeals due to the appellant's death, and no disability rating or unemployability determination was made.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status is denied due to the lack of evidence showing he requires regular aid and attendance or is permanently housebound.,The SMP claim for aid and attendance is remanded as the RO failed to address this issue in the Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for chronic adjustment disorder with depression and mixed anxiety has been denied as the Veteran did not report to scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a previous inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder. The case is being returned for further examination and an addendum opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.