Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The Board has remanded several issues for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's initial ratings for thoracic strain, right ankle disability, and psychiatric disability have been denied. The case is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's TDIU claim has been remanded.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, tendonitis, vertigo, dermatitis, GERD, hypertension, prostate hypertrophy, and hernia. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, based on the Veteran's reported in-service stressors. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's major depression with opioid dependence is being remanded for an additional examination due to recent evidence indicating increased severity. Additionally, the need for special monthly compensation based on housebound status or the need for aid and attendance is also being remanded as there have been changes in circumstances since the last evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder, based on the Veteran's reported in-service stressors and current symptoms.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for his depressive disorder and a TDIU prior to July 24, 2021 have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's psychiatric conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's initial and increased evaluations for PTSD are granted, but the TDIU based on PTSD is dismissed as moot due to the higher rating. Service connection for left knee disorder and right knee disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and panic disorder, is granted a 100 percent rating effective June 22, 2018.

The Veteran's service connection claims for general anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder are granted as the evidence is in equipoise regarding their onset during service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder, is rated at 70 percent since February 21, 2012. The effective date for this rating has been set to the earliest date on which it was factually ascertainable that a claim for service connection had been filed.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and a major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Veteran's disability rating for major depressive disorder was reduced from 50% to 30%, effective November 1, 2019. The reduction was proper as the symptoms showed sustained improvement on reexamination. His diabetes mellitus remains at a 20% rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to incomplete information regarding his employment and income throughout the appeals period. The Board will request this information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed. The appeal for service connection of mixed anxiety with depressive disorder was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and persistent depressive disorder, are related to service. The claim will be reconsidered after the examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition including, sleep disturbance, mood disorder (depression, anxiety), and substance abuse is granted as service connected. The claim for lupus is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to issues related to the Veteran's character of discharge from service. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion on whether the Veteran was insane at the time of misconduct leading to his discharge.