Depression decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to verify the Veteran's reported exposure and stressors, as well as to attempt to substantiate service connection claims.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD with major depressive disorder and anxious distress, is currently rated at 70 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating or TDIU due to the service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for depressive disorder, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, or knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for persistent depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service. The claim was reopened due to new and material evidence submitted since the previous denial.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to additional evidence received since the October 2019 Board remand.

The Veteran is granted a 100 percent disability rating for her service-connected major depression with impulse control disorder, effective throughout the period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, kidney and urinary tract pain, and joint and muscle pain due to conflicting opinions and lack of adequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depression with anxious distress were granted a 50% disability evaluation prior to February 12, 2020. From February 12, 2020, the Veteran was granted a 70% disability evaluation for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 70 percent rating for depression, effective April 1, 2018, was granted. The appeal regarding entitlement to a higher rating for depression is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including other specified schizophrenia and psychotic disorder, as his major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety already covers these conditions. The maximum rating of 100% has been granted for the service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection. The Board has also remanded several other issues for further development and clarification of the evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are granted as a result of in-service combat stressors during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's ED is granted as secondary to his service-connected low back disability, and the claim for OSA is remanded. The claims for higher ratings of depressive disorder, insomnia disorder, and low back disability are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disability was granted with an effective date set at April 20, 2014.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's anxiety and depression are related to service. The examiner will assess any diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including their onset in service or relation to service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed. The appeal seeking to reopen the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been granted and remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, GAD, and unspecified depressive disorder. The Veteran is required to undergo a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The reduction of the rating for PTSD with MDD from 70% to 30% was improper, and the 70% rating is restored. The Veteran's entitlement to an increased evaluation greater than 70% for PTSD with MDD has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip disability and right shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff tear require further examination to determine their current severity. Additionally, a TDIU claim is raised by the record but needs to be developed before it can be adjudicated.