Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder, is granted service connection.,Service connection for fatigue and headaches due to undiagnosed illness during the Persian Gulf War are granted.

The Veteran's MDD is granted at a 70 percent rating for the entire appeal period. The criteria for an increased rating for DM are not met, and service connection for hypertension as secondary to DM is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder prevents him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, resulting in a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for clarification of the December 2019 private audiometric evaluation and review of all outstanding VA treatment records. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU from January 11, 2011 to November 1, 2020 will also be considered.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims for the Veteran's claimed conditions due to his death.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for depression with sleep impairment and PTSD due to new and material evidence. The claims are granted as both conditions are at least as likely as not related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected mental disorders, but SMC based on housebound status and need for regular aid and attendance are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of September 30, 2008. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period from September 30, 2008, to July 16, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for migraine headaches and major depressive disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding their severity. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, traumatic brain injury, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 2, 2016. Therefore, the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective September 20, 2010. The Board also granted the Veteran TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for depression with mood swings was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,Service connection is granted for plantar warts, penile warts, and bilateral sciatica of the lower extremities. Service connection is also granted for thoracolumbar spine disability (low back condition).,The Veteran's claim for service connection for lung diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, left knee arthralgia, and bilateral hearing loss remains pending.,Service connection for rhinitis, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded due to exposure to contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune and/or asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's mental health conditions, including depression and cyclothymic disorder, are being remanded for further development due to the need to obtain private treatment records from Dr. I.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), and sleep apnea. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain a VA opinion regarding the Veteran's COPD and psychiatric disorder claims, including whether service connection should be granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting evidence and unaddressed diagnoses. The Veteran should be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination for clarification of the diagnoses and an etiology opinion regarding the claimed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a TDIU rating for the evaluation period prior to October 25, 2020 due to pending development.