Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his generalized anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder and degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the relevant time periods.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, MDD, and tinnitus have been granted. The hearing loss claim is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further development, including obtaining private treatment records.

The Board found that the original grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was clearly and unmistakably erroneous due to willful misconduct, thus severing service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for GERD was denied as the evidence did not show that his symptoms more nearly approximated those required for a 30 percent disability rating.,Service connection for stomach disability, to include as secondary to service-connected GERD, was also denied. The Board found that there was no evidence showing that the Veteran's stomach disability had its onset during active duty service or was caused by his service-connected GERD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination in determining whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with previous Board Remands. A new examination is required to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's MDD is now rated at 70 percent effective April 13, 2016. His hyperhidrosis remains at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected stroke residuals. He is also granted financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to permanent loss of use of the left hand.

The appeal for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed. The case of major depressive disorder is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with cognitive disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety has been reopened. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service stressors and outstanding service records.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and cognitive disorder are rated at a 70 percent disability level, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's NOD was timely filed and has remanded several issues for further development. The main issues are related to increased ratings for herniated disc at L4-L5 with right lower extremity radiculopathy, status-post fracture of the pubic ramus, left, major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU from September 4, 2014. The claim for an extraschedular TDIU prior to that date is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and a need for further psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired neurobehavioral/psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is etiologically related to service and grants the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, hearing loss, and mild neurocognitive disorder, do not render him unemployable as he was laid off due to a reduction in force rather than his service-connected conditions. The Board denied the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is found to be related to his in-service trauma or stressors. Service connection for this condition is granted.,The Veteran's traumatic brain injury is also found to be related to his in-service injuries and service connection is granted.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the August 1999 rating decision regarding service connection for depression and migraine headaches. The Veteran's STRs showed a history of depression and stress, but not migraines. There was no evidence indicating a nexus to service at the time of the August 1999 rating decision.