Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to September 9, 2022. The Board found the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they were consistent with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress is currently rated at 70 percent, effective December 2, 2021. The appeal for a higher rating prior to that date and the TDIU claim are both denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and medical opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities, as well as clarification of the evidence submitted.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, stomach ulcers (also claimed as abnormal z-line), low back condition (claimed as spinal cord injury), acid reflux, sleep apnea, depression (also claimed as insomnia), atrial fibrillation (also claimed as aortic aneurysm), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (also claimed as insomnia, anxiety, nightmares).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance) were denied. The Board found that the effective dates could not be earlier than April 17, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to January 13, 2011.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The evidence does not support a finding of current diagnoses or in-service incurrence of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records and further review of his claims, specifically regarding his VA treatment records from July 2019 onwards and any administrative or medical records related to his USPS employment.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his depressive disorder rating is being remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and completing employment information forms. The issue of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also being referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has denied service connection for anxiety and depressive disorders, finding that these conditions are due to a non-service-connected major neurocognitive disorder (dementia).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression, unspecified depressive disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder, is found to have been incurred during service and has continued since then. The Board grants the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, MDD, and GAD, finding that there is no evidence of a diagnosed psychiatric disorder at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet DSM-5 criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a stroke is granted. The rating for hypertension remains at 10 percent, and the Veteran's major depressive disorder continues to be rated at 50 percent. The Veteran's SMC application based on housebound status or permanent need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted service connection, while his OSA is denied as not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for depression, anxiety, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has restored the Veteran's service connection for other specified trauma or stressor related disorder and major depressive disorder with psychotic features, effective October 1, 2019. The original decision was based on a clear and unmistakable error in not finding a confirmed stressor.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective March 15, 2021. The Board also granted a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression/anxiety and headaches has been granted. The Board found that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to his military service, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to conflicting evidence regarding his diagnoses and their relation to service. The case is now pending with a new examination required.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's dental disability and psychiatric disorders.