Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for a higher rating for bipolar disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the issue.

The Board has decided that the character of the Appellant's discharge does not entitle him to VA benefits. The decision is remanded for a medical opinion regarding whether the Appellant was insane at the time of misconduct leading to his discharge.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating for service-connected major depressive disorder from December 17, 2018 is dismissed as moot.,The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for epididymitis of the left testicle remains denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition meets or more closely approximates the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for right hip degenerative changes with trochanter bursitis is remanded, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if he meets the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating based on limitation of abduction.,The Veteran's claim for chronic lumbar strain remains denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition meets or more closely approximates the criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for gout is denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for kidney stones is denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent for the entire rating period, with no higher rating granted due to the current level of functional impairment.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is related to service and granted. However, the Board denied secondary service connection for sleep apnea as it was not a service-connected condition at that time.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and various musculoskeletal conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to November 20, 2019. As a result, the Board granted a TDIU for this period. Additionally, basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance was established.

An initial disability rating of 70 percent for unspecified depressive disorder is granted, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from March 4, 2022 is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error and needs additional development, including an addendum VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for vertigo, TDIU, and Dependents' Educational Assistance were denied as there was no evidence of an increase in disability during the one year prior to his claim.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran is entitled to service connection for major depressive disorder, as part of a previously decided issue regarding severance of service connection for personality disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and migraines were increased to a 100 percent rating in the January 2021 decision. The Veteran was also granted total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's MDD with PTSD is rated at 50 percent since April 18, 2021. The Board has granted a full grant of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension. The Board found new and relevant evidence to support these claims.,Service connection has also been established for left knee and right knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and relevant evidence submitted by the Veteran, including his testimony at a hearing. The VA is instructed to obtain service personnel records and medical records from specific hospitals.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective February 28, 2018. The Board also granted a TDIU for the period prior to December 1, 2018 and a TDIU beginning on December 1, 2018.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and depression, with the latter being secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating and TDIU from August 1, 2006 to July 16, 2012 was denied. The Board found that the severity of his mental health symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher than 70% disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the service connection claim for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) before the Board could make a decision.