Depression decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and lumbar spondylosis with facet arthropathy, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service symptoms. Service connection was also granted for major depressive disorder with somatic symptom disorder.,Service connection for a back disability is granted as it is found to be secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder, is at least as likely as not related to service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to June 9, 2021 due to his service-connected lumbar spine disability and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression was previously denied in an April 2001 rating decision. The claim has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, further records development is needed before a final determination can be made.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD has been granted a 70 percent rating effective November 3, 2015. The evidence shows difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances and other symptoms consistent with a 70 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of heart condition, MDD, and DM as secondary to nonservice-connected hypertension. The rating for hypertension was granted at a 10% level.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, finding that there is no causal relationship between his current mental health condition and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board denied entitlement to a higher disability rating for PTSD with depression and also denied entitlement to TDIU prior to March 20, 2013.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Additional records are needed to determine the nature and etiology of bilateral hearing loss, back condition, sciatica condition, left hip condition, and acquired psychiatric condition (anxiety and depression).,VA examinations are required for a comprehensive evaluation of the Veteran's claims.

The Board dismissed all the claims as they are related to a deceased Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder was denied. The Board found that the disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 70 percent due to occupational and social impairment, but not total. Other service connection claims were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at BSWMC from September 24, 2016 to November 2, 2016 was denied as the non-VA facility did not notify VA and attempt a transfer to a VA facility after the emergency treatment ended.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no competent evidence of a currently diagnosed condition related to his military service or superimposed on his personality disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his service-connected knee disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of June 24, 1991. The Board found that the Veteran's original claim was received within one year following his separation from service and thus the proper effective date is the day following separation from active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include arm, hand, wrist, skin, sinus, ear, and psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected conditions, specifically tinnitus and various musculoskeletal conditions of the wrists and knees.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD includes symptoms that overlap with depression. Therefore, the claim for separate service connection for depression is denied. The mild neurocognitive disorder is found to be related to his service-connected PTSD but has distinct symptoms and is therefore granted.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, specifically generalized anxiety disorder with depression, is found to be related to her military service and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him incapable of obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment from May 1, 2012 to April 8, 2013.