Depression decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial compensable disability rating for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), increased ratings for Major Depressive Disorder associated with TBI, and increased ratings for migraine headaches. Additionally, the claim for total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the Board has ordered a remand to obtain authorization for VA outpatient treatment records from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans and to schedule a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for residuals of a stroke, Alzheimer's disease or dementia, bilateral lower extremity nerve damage, bilateral upper extremity nerve damage, sleep walking, and an acquired psychiatric disability to obtain additional medical records from Lung Center of Georgia.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) due to lack of additional disabilities affecting his sight, hearing loss, speech, or upper extremities.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic disorder and major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.,A temporary total rating of 100 percent was granted from June 17, 2008 to September 30, 2008 due to hospitalization.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a higher initial rating for bronchial asthma, and issues regarding earlier effective dates and combined ratings. The Veteran is advised to submit additional evidence and attend further examinations as needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder and his obesity, as well as whether that obesity caused or aggravated his fatal heart conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, ADHD). The Board also remanded her claims for service connection for right leg pain and weakness, left leg pain and weakness, right ankle condition, left ankle condition, right hip condition, sinusitis, and lower back condition.,The Veteran's current bilateral leg pain and weakness are related to her service-connected left hip strain. The Veteran's current bilateral ankle conditions may be related to her active military service. Her current acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, ADHD) is likely related to her in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is granted total disability due to individual unemployability. The rating for major depressive disorder remains at 50 percent prior to January 3, 2020, and increases to 70 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression. The VA needs to obtain more recent treatment records and schedule a new examination for a determination of the current nature and etiology of any such disorders.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress. The case will be reviewed again to determine if there is a relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis/sinusitis is related to his service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted. However, the Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for depressive disorder due to inadequate examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, a right knee disability, and a right foot disability. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also granted. The claim for service connection for a cardiac disability remains pending as the Veteran failed to appear for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes (due to Southwest Asia service), low back disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder has been granted. The Board found that the chronic pain from his service-connected lumbar strain disability caused his current major depressive disorder.,Service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's OSA is related to his active duty service or his service-connected major depressive disorder with anxious distress.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination or addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for disability ratings and service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.