Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder increased in severity consistent with the criteria for a 100% disability rating since November 2, 2018. An effective date of November 2, 2018 is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective March 14, 2018. The disability is rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (General Rating Formula).

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is characterized by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, resulting in a 30 percent rating. The appeal for an increased evaluation remains pending as the case has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to July 27, 2017 for service connection of PTSD and TDIU. The claims are being remanded due to procedural errors in notifying the Veteran's representative and incomplete medical records.

The Board has found that the Veteran's left knee disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression) are not service-connected. The case is being remanded for further examination to determine if there was any aggravation of these conditions during service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for hearing loss, back pain, loss of sight, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and nervousness as the Veteran (or his authorized representative) requested withdrawal of these issues.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, a psychiatric disorder (schizoaffective disorder and depression), and low back disorder. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for prostate cancer is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected depressive disorder with opioid use disorder was granted in May 2021, resulting in past-due benefits. The appellant is eligible to receive attorney fees based on these past-due benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his psychiatric, right hip, right toe, neck, and headaches disabilities. The VA will provide these examinations and opinions to determine if there is a nexus between each disability and service.

The Veteran's appeal seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, are related to his service and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder NOS, is granted as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's low back condition is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's asthma is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and PTSD, is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome with arthritis is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis and muscle spasms are remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's carpal tunnel and peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity, is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's vertigo is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's left knee condition is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's right knee condition is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The compensable rating for residuals of gynecomastia left breast status post-surgery remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder with mild alcohol use disorder are rated at 70 percent prior to December 15, 2021. From December 15, 2021, the rating is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in a previous VA examination regarding the Veteran's diagnosed unspecified depressive disorder. The examiner did not provide an adequate rationale for their conclusion that the Veteran's current depressive symptoms are less likely than not related to his service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions prior to June 6, 2019 do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, secondary alcohol and substance use disorders, and associated depression and anxiety. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are related to events during his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to service. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are at least as likely as not related to in-service stressors or other events.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for major depressive disorder and TDIU are remanded due to the need for a new examination and updated VA treatment records.