Depression decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of TDIU.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder are rated at 70 percent, effective from November 5, 2014.,Service connection for headaches is granted as secondary to service-connected major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate development and need for further examination. The Veteran's claims for earlier effective date, increased rating, service connection, and compensation are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is rated at 100 percent since September 18, 2017 due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, is related to his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder alone rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including unspecified depressive disorder, lumbar strain with IVDS, right knee PFPS, tinnitus, and residuals of TBI, meet the threshold minimum rating requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board granted this claim as it is just as likely as not that these conditions preclude the Veteran from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions, including right knee osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal issues, as well as psychiatric disorders. The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to be afforded a VA examination and obtain new medical opinions regarding her claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and adjustment disorder due to MST. The remand also includes efforts to corroborate the Veteran's reports of sexual assault during service and attempts to obtain records from the Florida Blood Bank.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a stroke with residuals, major depressive disorder, headaches, and tinnitus have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not due to his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's depression has been rated at 70 percent from June 8, 2016, and a rating of 100 percent is granted prior to December 20, 2021.,The issue of entitlement to TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100 percent disability rating for depression.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions and increased ratings. The main reasons are due to insufficient evidence and need for new medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disabilities and anxiety/depression. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, verification of in-service stressors, and additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD and associated mental disorders have been rated at a maximum of 100 percent since June 28, 2011. The effective date for this rating is July 5, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to January 25, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression warrants a 50 percent disability rating, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting an initial 70 percent rating.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (claimed as fatigue) is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further development is required.