Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability level for the period prior to April 3, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been denied as there was no prior claim or intent to file a claim before December 12, 2015.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder is remanded due to new evidence indicating worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from January 30, 2018, to April 2, 2020.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation, including a specialized examination to determine if the Veteran's Parkinson's disease is related to toxic exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, is granted. The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left leg disability and left toe/foot condition are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to her failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations. The Board finds good cause and will schedule another examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for depression and anxiety. The Veteran's claims are not related to his military service.

The Board has dismissed the claim for right sided sciatica and granted reopening of previously denied claims for bilateral knee conditions, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The issues of service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back injury and an increased evaluation for major depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse, are not related to his service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.,His back and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, GAD, and Depression.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been granted a TDIU effective October 22, 2015. The Board denied ratings in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to that date and denied a rating in excess of 70 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to a raised issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status. The Veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC at level S, but may still qualify for SMC if he is permanently housebound.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted based on a verified in-service stressor. The Board found that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and resolved all doubts in his favor.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by their authorized representative, and the Board is dismissing the appeals for service connection for depression, anxiety, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for varicose veins or an acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus the claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and for the Veteran to provide any relevant private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, due to inadequate July 2012 VA examination and medical opinion. The Veteran is required to provide additional private treatment records and all relevant VA clinical records are to be obtained.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, needs further development and is therefore remanded.