Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder.

The appeal for service connection for loss of use of both legs is dismissed.,Eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing is granted.

The appeal of A.G.'s eligibility to agent fees based on the past-due benefits awarded in a May 2019 rating decision, which granted service connection for major depressive disorder, is dismissed.,The appeal of A.G.'s eligibility to agent fees based on the past-due benefits awarded in a May 2019 Higher Level Review decision, which granted a higher rating of 30 percent for primary dysmenorrhea with menorrhagia, is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD, PDD, AURD, and TBI have caused total occupational and social impairment for the entire initial rating period. The Board granted a 100 percent disability rating effective June 28, 2022.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for unspecified depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for an in-person VA mental health examination.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral pes planus, right and left ankle arthritis, lower back arthritis, cervical spine disorder, right hip condition, left hip condition, major depression, right leg radiculopathy, right arm radiculopathy, erectile dysfunction (ED), left knee replacement, and right knee disability. The denial is based on the conclusion that these conditions did not pre-exist service or were not aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, finding that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of such conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition and aggravation of a current disorder by a service-connected right knee disability.

Service connection for tinnitus has been granted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety and depression) secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding records from the Social Security Administration and a new psychiatric examination is needed. The issues of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, increased rating for the service-connected psychiatric disability (now diagnosed as persistent depressive disorder), and TDIU have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and a need for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to procedural issues, including a misfiled appeal form. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains under review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric condition (including anxiety disorder and depression) have been dismissed as the appeals are not about service connection at all. The Veteran was granted service connection for post left knee arthroscopy meniscal repair, left knee arthroscopic surgical scar, and a left knee strain in November 2021.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.,Specifically, the Board is requesting that the Veteran undergo VA examinations for his bilateral foot, thigh, knee, elbow, eye, skin, and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses of depression and anxiety are less likely related to his active service.

The Board denied service connection for anxiety and depression (now claimed as PTSD), right wrist disability, left wrist disability, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, and degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's MDD and unspecified anxiety disorder are currently rated at 50 percent, which does not warrant an increase to a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are rated at 100%, combined. He does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the 's' rate, and his TDIU claim is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as unspecified anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, is granted. The Board finds that the evidence shows a reasonable doubt in favor of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and OCD has been reopened. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities.