Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because the in-service stressors were not corroborated by credible supporting evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (in addition to PTSD) was also denied as there is no evidence that such a condition manifested during service or is otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been reopened, with the latter being recharacterized as a claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Service connection has been granted for tinnitus.,Service connection is remanded for various conditions including hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety, depression, PTSD), sleep apnea, prostate disability due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, a skin condition of the stomach, head disability (headaches), coronary artery disease, strokes, enlarged kidney due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, both hands locking up, gout of the right and left foot, knot under the right cheek, sea sickness, and sleep disorder.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including investigating the Veteran's service in Korea and Kuwait, obtaining his complete military personnel records, and obtaining any outstanding VA and private treatment records. The claims for right hand frostbite, bilateral hand disability, back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and/or PTSD), left knee disability, right knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss are all remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder and various scars, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 16, 2014.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate reasons and bases in its previous decision, and because there are conflicting opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's initial higher rating for major depressive disorder from 30% to 70% prior to October 31, 2019 is denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress and alcohol use disorder was granted a 70 percent evaluation prior to April 8, 2021. The disability picture demonstrated significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing low-grade depression was aggravated by his time in service.

The Veteran's asthma is granted service connection under the PACT Act, and his MDD and PTSD claims are remanded for further development. His right ear hearing loss and sleep apnea claims are also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected insomnia disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The Board denied ratings higher than the current 30 percent for these conditions prior to October 9, 2019.

The Veteran's mental health disorders, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, and depression, are related to his active duty service due to in-service hazing and assault. Service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a determination on the character of discharge from service and readjudication of all issues on appeal. The decision is not binding on other VA policies or interpretations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD and alcohol use disorder rendered him unemployable, leading to a TDIU from April 19, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a stomach disorder remain pending.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development, including obtaining clinical records from Toul and Verdun hospitals where the Veteran was hospitalized after falling off a bunk in service. A new VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran has residuals of a head injury or TBI related to his documented fall.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder and COPD have been granted. A 10% rating has also been granted for COPD. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric condition. The case will be returned for further development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. His acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, is also granted. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depression and alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent effective July 24, 2015. The initial compensable rating for post-traumatic headaches prior to December 4, 2017, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter has been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, chronic idiopathic demyelinating neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and major depressive disorder, all related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The evidence does not support direct or presumptive service connection.