Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeals for reopening service connection for various conditions and granting service connection for hysterectomy residuals, right knee DJD, left knee DJD, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depressive disorder), and GERD have been dismissed. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a causal relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder rating was restored to 50 percent, and the appeal for PTSD is granted. The application to reopen a claim of service connection for low back pain is also granted. However, the issues regarding an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss since May 17, 2012; service connection for a lumbar spine disorder; service connection for a cervical spine disorder; and entitlement to TDIU since May 17, 2012 are remanded.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent rating since August 22, 2003. The Board found that the symptoms did not rise to the level of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and depression. The remand requires a new VA opinion on the nature and etiology of these disorders.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for obesity and hyperlipidemia as they were withdrawn by the appellant during his hearing.,The Board has remanded the remaining issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, supraventricular tachycardia, small vessel cerebrovascular disease, essential tremors, tobacco abuse, lightheadedness, and leukocytosis due to unresolved disability picture.

The April 3, 2006 rating decision reduced the Veteran's service-connected depression disability rating from 100% to 50%. The Veteran appealed this reduction, arguing that it was not supported by evidence of sustained improvement under VA regulations.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted a 70 percent rating effective January 7, 2021 for the appeal period prior to that date.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, was not incurred or aggravated during service.,There is no evidence of a current concussion diagnosis.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was granted, and he is now entitled to a grant of service connection. The appeal regarding the higher disability ratings for bilateral pes planus, pulmonary and cutaneous sarcoidosis, degenerative joint disease left knee with meniscal tear, and degenerative joint disease right knee with meniscal tear has been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed acquired psychiatric condition, which includes PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that it is causally related to his father's suicide attempt during service.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder with anxiety has been rated at 70 percent since the appeal period began, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of a lower back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to procedural issues, including failing to schedule VA examinations as instructed in prior remand orders.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and determined that the effective date should be December 16, 2004. The Veteran's informal claim to reopen his service connection was filed on this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, in accordance with the DSM-5. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA treatment records and unverified in-service stressors. The Veteran must undergo further examinations for his hearing loss, spine disability, heart condition, and psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the inadequate VA examination and need for a new opinion.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of PTSD was granted. The issue of service connection for depression and anxiety is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied as the evidence does not show she was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, sleep disturbance, and depression has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the claim. However, the claims are still remanded as further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.