Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for major depressive disorder and hypersomnia are remanded due to the need for new examinations to assess current disability levels.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hip disabilities and depression. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations for her hip disabilities and depression, and additional records may be needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for anxiety, depression, and PTSD due to conflicting diagnoses in the medical records and issues with scheduling of VA examinations.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in May 2012, and she did not file an NOD or submit new and material evidence within one year. The earliest possible effective date provided by law is February 23, 2015, but the Veteran's appeal to have a prior effective date granted was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development of medical records and because a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current right knee disability began during her INACDUTRA period in February 2005. The issues are also intertwined with the low back disability and depression, which may be impacted by the outcome of the right knee claim.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on depressive disorder and degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as an earlier effective date for TDIU, have been dismissed due to his withdrawal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and need for additional evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative changes was granted. Service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative changes, a right foot condition, and a left foot condition were denied. Service connection for unspecified depression with anxious distress was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcohol use disorder and insomnia is granted. The Board also grants entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea but remands the issue of a separate compensable rating for a sleep disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertensive retinopathy and a psychiatric disorder, including persistent depressive disorder, as secondary to his heart disability are remanded. The effective date of the award of service connection remains January 5, 2015.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and anxiety disorder. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and right lower extremity disability are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression and anxious distress, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are at least as likely as not incurred during his military service.

The Board has decided to remand both the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD, and a back disorder. The reasons are that factual errors were found in the previous opinions and new evidence is needed.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating of the Veteran's hemorrhoids, dental disability, unspecified depressive disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The issues are dismissed as the Appellant withdrew her appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the statutory criteria for SMC based on housebound status. However, he may still qualify for SMC on a facts-found basis if his service-connected disabilities render him permanently housebound or in need of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The VA examiner needs to provide an opinion on the relationship between the diagnosed major depressive disorder and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and unspecified depressive disorder, had its onset in service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and persistent depressive disorder, which are related to his military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST) is remanded as the medical examinations and opinions of record are insufficient for deciding the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not receive notice of scheduled VA examinations and finds it highly likely he did not receive them. The claims are being remanded to attempt to obtain updated contact information for the Veteran so he can be notified of these actions.