Depression decisions — 2022

Service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, PTSD, depressive disorder, hypertension, tinnitus, anxiety disorder, and left leg scar is granted. Service connection for head scar is denied.,The Veteran's hypertension was granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder has caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented them from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The case will be returned for further development of records and verification of in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that additional evidence must be obtained before the claims for service connection and rating can be decided. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with his other claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's OSA, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to PTSD and/or depression.

The Board has remanded the cases due to non-compliance with previous directives and the Veteran's failure to attend VA examinations. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (to include anxiety and depression) and a right-hand disability are being returned for further development.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date for the award of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) from April 26, 2011. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and experience from that date.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder with persistent depressive disorder was granted, with a 50% rating prior to March 12, 2018, and increased to 70% effective May 14, 2020.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating and an earlier effective date for service connection were withdrawn by the appellant's attorney.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to provide a VA examination for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Veteran must be afforded with the proper VA examination and medical etiology opinion.

The Veteran's tinnitus was denied service connection due to lack of evidence showing a current disability and no link between the condition and his military service.,Service connection for anger, stress, short tempered, fear, mood, depression, and sleep impairment, as well as high blood pressure, were also denied. The denial is based on the absence of a current diagnosis and insufficient evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance based on the use of a right foot orthotic device was denied because there is no record of him using such an orthotic in 2020 or 2021.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 27, 2020, for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder was denied. The Veteran also received a grant of an initial disability rating of 70 percent for his service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right leg disabilities and psychiatric condition, require regular aid and attendance. The Board granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with persistent depressive disorder has been granted a 50 percent rating from July 11, 2019 to December 10, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied, but his claim for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including major depressive disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder, and insomnia) is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded the issue of service connection for a low back disorder. The Veteran's claims are currently under review.

The Veteran's heart disability, chest pain(s), and asthma are not service-connected as they did not begin during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression, mental stress, worry, and/or mental health) is also not service-connected.

The Veteran's increased rating for residuals of chronic encephalopathy and TDIU prior to September 14, 2021 are granted.