Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder renders him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal to reduce his PTSD with persistent depressive disorder rating from 100% to 70% has been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal through his representative.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for major depressive disorder was denied, and his request for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate was also denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, including short-term memory loss, is granted as secondary to service-connected migraine headaches. His increased rating for migraine headaches is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD, including adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with other specified trauma and stressor related disorder and alcohol use disorder is rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder, OSA, and hypertension, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service. The decision also grants secondary service connection for OSA and hypertension due to obesity caused by his service-connected depression.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the May 2020 remand directives and has therefore ordered another remand for further development, including a new VA examination to address the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected disorders. The rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted at 20 percent from May 12, 2021 onward and the rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied. The initial rating of 10 percent for tension headaches is granted prior to September 23, 2021 and the rating in excess of 30 percent for tension headaches is denied on and after that date.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA psychiatric examination to address conflicting diagnoses and determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disability is related to military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, alcohol abuse disorder, and depressive disorder, is rated at 50 percent from January 28, 2014 to January 5, 2022.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, persistent mood disorder, and depression, is being reviewed for service connection.

The Board has found the VA examinations inadequate for adjudication and another remand is necessary due to the lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his service experiences.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a lack of substantial compliance with previous remands. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on new evidence and an updated medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% from April 29, 2010 to April 19, 2016 and at 70% thereafter. The earlier effective date for TDIU prior to February 1, 2018 was denied, but the earlier effective date for TDIU from February 1, 2018 onward is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation and rating of various conditions, including TBI, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and shin splints. Service connection remains on the merits.

The Board has decided that an addendum medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his service-connected disabilities, including hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and insomnia, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset and relationship of his current conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the November 2021 VA opinion is inadequate and remands for a new examination by an appropriate provider to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate regular aid and attendance and/or render him housebound.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has ordered remand for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected condition and for consideration of entitlement to TDIU.