Depression decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, first manifested during her service and is related to her military experience. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective October 30, 2013. The right ankle and low back conditions are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for CAD, PTSD, diabetes, and Hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for further development.,Service connection has been granted for unspecified anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorders pre-existed service and are related to service. The Veteran's mental health condition is less likely than not (less than 50 percent probability) due to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, had their onset during his active duty service and have persisted to the present. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial ratings for PTSD prior to December 5, 2014 and from December 5, 2014 were denied as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Veteran was granted SMC at the rate provided by 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) as of February 24, 2009, based on his need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of medical rationale supporting the Veteran's claim. The Veteran is advised to cooperate with VA in developing his claims.

The Board has determined that the issues of whether the character of the appellant's discharge is a bar to VA benefits, service connection for right ankle disability, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety and depression), and entitlement to TDIU are remanded due to new evidence received in May 2018.

The Board has found that the Veteran's depression is not related to his military service and requires a new VA examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, left and right leg restless leg syndrome, blood clots, and costochondritis have been dismissed. The application to reopen the claim of service connection for hypertension has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disability has been denied. The Board also found that the issue of service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability and the TDIU claim need further development.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been granted a 50 percent initial rating from April 1, 2011 to November 9, 2021. A higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as moot because she has already been awarded a TDIU effective September 20, 2016. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and PTSD.

The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder has been reopened and is now pending. A new opinion is needed to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychosis and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted service connection. The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is granted a 50% rating prior to December 4, 2019 and a 70% rating thereafter. A TDIU determination is granted from August 30, 2021.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, Lumbar Spine Disorder, and Cervical Spine Disorder have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated appropriately at 70 percent under Diagnostic Code 9434.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hypertension may be related to his service-connected psychiatric disability, but needs further examination and opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has determined that the appellant should be considered as a substitute party for the Veteran's pending appeals, but more information is needed to make this determination. The appeal regarding service connection and recognition of M.U.H. as the child will also need to be addressed.