Depression decisions — 2022

The Board has ordered remand for a new opinion regarding the service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, secondary to service-connected spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis. The claim is also remanded for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been rated at 70 percent effective June 19, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The appeals for increased disability ratings and TDIU were dismissed due to the Appellant's death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and remanded the issues regarding service connection for Acquired Psychiatric Disorder, initial compensable rating for Left Hand Disability, and initial compensable rating for Left Hand Scar. The case is sent back to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for mental health disorders and diabetes mellitus, type II due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's psychiatric disability is being evaluated again, and his diabetes may be related to his diagnosed psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depressive disorder, is rated at 100 percent effective April 5, 2016. The Board also granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance effective April 5, 2016.

The Veteran's LLE and RLE radiculopathies are granted with a 10% rating, effective August 31, 2010 for LLE and December 18, 2014 for RLE. Service connection is granted for LUE neuropathy but depression service connection is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but has remanded the issue of secondary service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to February 10, 2015. Effective May 29, 2013, the Veteran was granted SMC based on his left knee disability.

Effective February 17, 2017, a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.,Effective March 29, 2021, a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to care for his daily personal needs without assistance from others, or unable to protect himself from the hazards and dangers of daily living on a regular basis. The Board denied entitlement to SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to lack of evidence showing he is bedridden or so helpless that he requires regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's DM is rated at 20 percent, and he was granted TDIU and DEA benefits effective October 2, 2014. The claim for a higher rating for DM remains denied.

Service connection is granted for a low back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and major depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability.,Service connection is denied for a right knee condition and a left knee condition.

The Board has vacated its decision and remanded several issues, including earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings. The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is currently rated at 50%.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development, including scheduling an examination to assess the severity of his left forearm scar and issuing a Statement of the Case (SOC) addressing all issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence for service connection of hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claims are pending further examination and review.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety due to another medical condition (chronic pain) as it is proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected right foot disability. The decision also grants service connection for depression and anxiety disorder due to another medical condition (chronic pain).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information to decide the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including chronic depression. A VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as moot because he is already receiving a 100% combined schedular rating for his service-connected disabilities, rendering the issue of TDIU moot.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher level of SMC based on need for aid and attendance, as he is already receiving SMC at the (l) rate.