Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including panic disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder NOS, and depression NOS, is being remanded for further evaluation as it may be related to his service-connected lichen planus. The Board also finds that the Veteran's hypertension should be evaluated in relation to his service-connected lichen planus.

The Board has decided to vacate the denial of service connection for a headache disorder and remand it due to its inextricability with the previously remanded claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied because the evidence does not support his claim that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being submitted, and it is not clear if the Veteran or his representative have responded within the required timeframe.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for major depressive disorder prior to March 5, 2018, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter was dismissed as the authorized representative withdrew the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of various conditions, including a cervical spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, cataracts (secondary to dry eye syndrome), peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, total disability rating based on individual unemployability, and special monthly compensation due to need for aid and attendance. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for a psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as service connection is not established.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or as due to housebound status is remanded due to unclear current severity of her service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs a VA examination to assess the impact of her service-connected conditions on her daily activities and whether she can leave her home.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to errors in weighing medical opinions and addressing the Veteran's contentions.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been granted, and her claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted service connection.,The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to his service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and depressive disorder prior to April 9, 2013 have been granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is already established, and the current psychiatric symptoms (anxiety and depression) are considered part of his existing disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to procedural issues and new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD and major depressive disorder were denied, with the Board finding that a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to February 2, 2016, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter is not warranted.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of right shin splints was remanded by the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work and family relationships. His symptoms include depression, anxiety, memory loss, suicidal thoughts, and anger issues. The claim for a TDIU has been granted.

The Board has remanded the cases of sleep apnea, psychiatric disorder separate from PTSD with insomnia disorder, sexual dysfunction disability secondary to PTSD with insomnia disorder, and vertigo for further development.

The Veteran's low back disability is found to be related to service, and he meets the criteria for TDIU from May 26, 2016 onwards.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 50 percent, effective January 1, 2009.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted service connection and assigned a 50 percent disability evaluation, also effective January 9, 2009.