Depression decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in not addressing the Veteran's major depressive disorder diagnosis, and a VA examination is needed to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder began during active service and is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, depression, back disability, sleep apnea, bilateral flat feet, right hip disability, left hip disability, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The VA is directed to obtain treatment records, provide medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions, and determine if any are related to service or secondary to diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 29, 2010.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to July 7, 2014 due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a need for SMC benefits at the housebound rate, but his need for A&A assistance is unclear and requires further evaluation.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding the Veteran's service connection claims due to his death.

The petition to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions has been granted. The issues of entitlement to service connection for anemia, a heart disability (claimed as angina), and dry eye disability are remanded.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is granted service connection due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. Service connection for a dental disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety) as secondary to service-connected disability are remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but not higher. The hearing loss disability and ingrown toenails are denied.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.,Service connection for bilateral ingrown toenails involving the big toe is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and other specified depressive disorder with anxious distress are related to in-service military sexual trauma (MST), and the claim is granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including reopening a claim for bilateral hearing loss and increasing disability ratings for various hip and scar conditions. Additional records are needed from the Air Force Reserve.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder due to inadequate examination and failure to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding his in-service symptoms and post-service diagnosis.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, degenerative arthritis of the knees, and psychiatric conditions. The issues include seeking higher ratings for these conditions and determining if the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis was not related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically persistent depressive disorder, is due to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and major depressive disorder with anxious distress are remanded due to incomplete records, including entrance and separation examinations. The VA will obtain these records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his conditions.

The Board has withdrawn the appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder; fibromyalgia; tinnitus; bilateral hearing loss; and eczema. The right knee and left knee disorders are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar disability and psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding the rating for major depressive disorder and the service connection claim for a right knee disorder, which was remanded by the Board. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.