Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service connection claims for major depression, sleep apnea, and headaches have been granted. However, the Veteran is still seeking higher ratings for his bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, and major depression, as well as a TDIU. The Board has found that remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule the Veteran for appropriate examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion in a previous VA examination. The Veteran contends his acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, is related to service, specifically an ankle fracture and other traumatic experiences during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder condition is reopened. The Board finds the evidence insufficient to resolve his claims on the merits and remands them for further development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's headaches started in service and have continued. The Board finds the Veteran and service treatment records persuasive, finding that his headaches had their onset in service and have continued following service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was reopened and granted. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is also granted. However, the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities remains remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, effective November 16, 2021. The decision is based on new evidence that was not previously considered in the original claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of VA treatment records from the Bremerton, WA VA outpatient clinic during the Veteran's service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are at least as likely as not caused by his military service. The appeal is dismissed for the left knee and right knee increased rating claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and alcohol/drug abuse. The remand includes obtaining additional medical records and requesting a supplemental opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and thus grants his claim for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to April 11, 2015, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to lack of substantial gainful employment despite his service-connected disabilities, as evidenced by his current income and employment.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and insomnia disorder is rated at 70 percent from April 21, 2015. The rating is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder, which he contends was aggravated by service stressors, is service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete medical records. The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his Major Depressive Disorder and service connection for a sleep disorder, including UARS.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including depression and PTSD, left ulnar neuropathy, sleep apnea, gastrointestinal disorder, headaches, and hypertension. The claims are being remanded to further evaluate these issues.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and right leg shin splints were not shown to be related to service, and the Board denied both claims.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a chronic pain disorder is denied. An initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher, is granted for major depressive disorder effective July 17, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of the Veteran's reported PTSD stressors and a need for a new medical opinion regarding his psychiatric condition, including major depressive disorder.