Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not more closely approximate the criteria for a 100 percent rating, and thus her claim for a higher evaluation was denied. The TDIU claim was granted.

The claim for service connection for depression was denied in a previous decision. The Veteran's new evidence raises the possibility of her current psychiatric disability being related to her active service, and she is ordered to be examined by VA to determine if this is true.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service or pre-existed service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated as 70 percent disabling from April 12, 2021. The Board has remanded the case for additional examinations and to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and a need for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board denies his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic pain, osteoporosis, and depression as secondary to a back disability due to further development being necessary.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is denied as there is no credible evidence linking the conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, cervical spine disability, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity are all granted service connection. The claims were initially denied in a November 2010 rating decision but have been reconsidered due to additional evidence obtained after that decision.

The Veteran meets the schedular percentage requirements for TDIU, and the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his educational and occupational background as a result of his service-connected disability. The Board has accordingly recharacterized the psychiatric claim as reflected on the title page.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service exposure.

Service connection is granted for cervical strain, to include cervical disc herniation.,Service connection is also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and anxiety).,Temporary total evaluation (TTE) for convalescence following October 27, 2017, neck surgery is remanded.,Service connection is remanded for a scar, status post appendectomy.,Service connection is also remanded for migraines, to include as secondary to service-connected neck condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding the Veteran's mental health conditions during and after service, including his incarceration. The Veteran is required to provide information about any arrests or incarcerations from prior to service and into the present day.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD with depressive disorder, alcohol abuse, and insomnia is denied. Service connection for left shoulder bursitis is granted. The issue of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The case was remanded for additional development.,Right knee instability and dislocated semilunar cartilage prior to March 26, 2018 are granted with separate ratings of 20 percent each. Right total knee replacement from May 1, 2019 is denied a rating greater than 30 percent. Major depressive disorder is granted a 70 percent rating.,The case was remanded for additional development regarding radiculopathy and the Veteran's right knee issues.

The Veteran's MDD was granted a rating of 30 percent from May 19, 2010 to May 2, 2016 and a rating of 70 percent thereafter. Service connection for prostate condition was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder prior to October 27, 2020 was denied. Claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for stress fracture left hip with trochanteric bursitis and limitation of abduction/adduction were also denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder caused total social and occupational impairment for the entire appeal period, resulting in a 100% disability rating.

Your claim for a determination of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has already been granted and is no longer under consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are at least as likely as not related to in-service stressors. The right wrist ganglion cyst claim is not before the Board.