Depression decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension on a direct basis. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for major depression and a TDIU prior to April 12, 2017 are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for Parkinson's disease, persistent depressive disorder, neck condition, back condition, left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, and pes planus have been dismissed.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for Meniere's disease as secondary to bilateral hearing loss and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for nerve damage with paralysis and loss of sense of taste.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status has been denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his ability to go out when he wishes, lack of blindness or residence in a nursing home, and inability to require regular aid and assistance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for SMC due to his service-connected disabilities, and it is unclear if he qualifies for higher levels of SMC based on his current conditions.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric diagnoses other than PTSD. The claim will be reconsidered with additional development.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and the AOJ will determine the effective date. The AOJ must also consider additional evidence received since the last decision for the issues of service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, right upper extremity, cervical spine condition, head injury due to motor vehicle accident, severe abrasions of the left arm, and osteoarthritis of the left little finger with boutonniere deformity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including fibromyalgia, dermatitis, major depressive disorder, and lumbar spine disability, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since March 28, 2006. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed depression, finding that it is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence to decide the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and MDD. A VA examination is required to determine the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss has been denied, and the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder, is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is at least as likely as not related to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent and not higher. The Board denied an increased rating for the psychiatric disability as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula. For TDIU, the Veteran was granted based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent for the period on appeal, granted.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, which includes anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, was found to have a severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms that more closely approximated the level associated with a 50 percent rating. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent due to lack of evidence showing deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for major depressive disorder, a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss, and entitlement to TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, due to exposure to herbicides is granted. The Board finds the Veteran had service in Korea near the DMZ and was exposed to herbicide agents during his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, was incurred in service. The VA examiner must provide an updated opinion based on the Veteran's medical history and treatment records.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims due to his withdrawal of appeal, except for a full grant of GERD service connection.