Depression decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and incomplete VA treatment records. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The issues of service connection for cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and residuals, and dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to viral myocarditis and congestive heart failure are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his acquired psychiatric disability has been dismissed as he opted to be considered under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA).

The Board has determined that another VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The claim for PTSD was not granted due to lack of a diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and earlier effective date claims have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for depression and prostate condition due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's lay reports of in-service exposure are considered, along with updated treatment records and SSA records.

The Board has decided the case is not ready for final decision and remands it for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, is rated at 70 percent. Increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity are denied. Increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) and left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) are granted.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and psychophysiological insomnia, but the case is remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is related to his now service-connected mental health disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disability (including depressive disorder and other specified stressor disorder). The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination regarding her heart disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder, finding that his current condition is not related to active service and more likely due to post-service drug and alcohol abuse.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including vertigo, dizziness, back pain, hearing loss, PTSD, and MDD, prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the Veteran is unemployable due to his disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for OSA and remanded the claims of increased ratings for prostate cancer and depressive disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no link between his current diagnosed condition and his period of service. The issue of a higher evaluation for degenerative spondylosis of the lumbar spine is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and major depressive disorder were granted. However, his increased rating claims for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy under Diagnostic Code 8520, and left lower extremity radiculopathy under Diagnostic Code 8520 were denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment, so the claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and incomplete verification of the Veteran's periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA. The Veteran is also required to undergo new VA examinations for his acquired psychiatric disorders, hypertension, left knee arthritis, right shoulder injury, and obstructive sleep apnea.