Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD with unspecified depression and alcohol abuse was denied. The Board also remanded the case for a new examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received after the SOC, which includes VA treatment records indicating a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is now recharacterized as depression (also claimed as alcoholism and memory loss/forgetfulness).

The Board has granted service connection for asthma and depressive disorder, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to service. The claim for chronic fatigue syndrome or undiagnosed illness manifested by fatigue remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claims for depression with psychotic features, bilateral foot condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD). Service connection is established for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Personality Disorder and Acquired Psychiatric Disorder due to new theories of entitlement, including aggravation by service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating of 50 percent or higher for persistent depression disorder has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU for the period from September 27, 2019 to July 20, 2020 due to his service-connected disabilities.,From July 21, 2020 onwards, the Veteran's combined rating of 70% allowed him to receive a TDIU without needing to prove unemployability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions and new evidence. The issues of major depressive disorder, chronic fatigue, bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathy, and right shoulder limitation of motion are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for secondary service connection to his bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the complexity and need for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, specifically major depressive disorder, as the evidence did not show it was incurred during active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depressive disorder), finding that the Veteran's statements regarding in-service noise exposure are credible, and his current symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), nerve problems with anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for a lumbar spine disorder and breathing disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected depressive disorder and remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, including missing service treatment records. The Veteran is requested to provide additional medical information and release forms.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a TDIU, as his combined rating is less than total and he can still perform substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete verification of in-service stressors. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is now pending again.

Service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus is granted, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and service connection.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for major depressive disorder and occipital neuralgia are being remanded due to new evidence submitted after the June 2016 SOC.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service connection claim, specifically on whether his acquired psychiatric disorder (including unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD) is related to his in-service head injury and/or his service-connected TBI residuals.