Depression decisions — 2022

The Board has dismissed the appeal on the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hypothyroidism. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims of service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, prostatitis, athlete's feet with blisters, left elbow strain, major depressive disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety and sleeping problems), and hypertension are remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for service-connected Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) prior to November 10, 2016 was denied. However, a higher rating of 70 percent was granted from that date onward.,Service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) was denied as the evidence did not demonstrate its onset during service or be related to any service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities and whether obesity is a substantial factor in causing or aggravating his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection based on presumptive exposure to herbicides. Service connection for cataracts, hepatitis B, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 10 percent for residuals of scar on the right lower leg from January 11, 2022, and no earlier, is granted. Service connection for PTSD and depression is also granted, but service connection for other conditions like a bilateral foot disorder, neck or cervical spine disorder, sleep apnea, and gastritis are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically Other Specified Depressive Disorder, recurrent brief depression. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported in-service stressors and his current symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, PTSD, and unspecified personality disorder. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of these conditions and that his personality disorder is not related to service.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated as 10 percent disabling. Service connection for chronic kidney disease due to hypertension has been granted. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disorder, bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome of the knees, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are being remanded due to inadequate analysis regarding the presumption of soundness.

The Veteran's MDD with anxiety disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective April 20, 2015. The RO has also granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected MDD and lumbar spine conditions.,The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral knee conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's March 2017 substantive appeal was untimely, as it was received nearly one year after the April 2016 Statement of the Case and more than 60 days after the April 2016 SOC. The decision denied the appeal due to lack of timely submission.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent effective August 5, 2012. The Board also granted a TDIU from the same date.

The Veteran's tinnitus and psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, are granted service connection. Service connection for Gulf War illness manifestations of fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outstanding records and a need for medical opinions regarding the appellant's mental state at the time of misconduct leading to his discharge under other than honorable conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder is denied. The appeal for a higher initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder and the determination of TDIU are also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to make reasonable efforts to obtain VA treatment records and failed to provide an adequate VA examination. The Veteran's mental health disorders are suspected to be related to service, but further evaluation is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, and depressive disorder.,All three conditions were found to be at least in equipoise with the evidence supporting their occurrence during service.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, and depressive disorder.,The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, and depressive disorder.,The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the March 2020 VA examination is based on an incorrect factual basis and requires a remand to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability.