Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted. The effective date of the award is October 2014, when he filed the initial claim.,Service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was denied as there is no evidence linking these disabilities to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Veteran testified about head injuries during service and ongoing symptoms since then. A new VA examination is needed for an opinion on whether these symptoms are related to his in-service TBI.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and GAD, as well as OSA. The issues are inextricably intertwined due to the potential impact on the OSA claim based on the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder, right knee disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar strain, and right hand disability, have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since April 16, 2020.

The Veteran's depression is rated at a 50 percent rating for the period before March 27, 2013. The Board has determined that a 100 percent rating is warranted beginning January 1, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Additional medical records are needed and a VA examination is required.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is related to his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) is granted, but the claim for PTSD is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of left hand carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted a 100% rating effective July 25, 2013.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of September 2, 2011 for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of September 20, 2016. The rating assigned is 70 percent.

The Veteran's spouse, L.H., is the caregiver and has been providing personal care services for him. The Board found that participation in the PCAFC would significantly enhance his ability to live safely at home. However, the claim was remanded due to incomplete caregiver training and assessment.

The Veteran's spouse is not eligible for PCAFC benefits due to lack of personal care services and caregiver training. The Board has decided the case should be remanded to complete necessary assessments and training.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent for the period on appeal, and he is granted TDIU prior to August 4, 2016.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, cervical spine strain, headaches, and hemorrhoids have been granted service connection. The psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with depression) has not been granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a duty to assist error, as the AOJ failed to provide proper notice and scheduling for a VA examination. The Veteran was not provided with adequate information regarding the need to report for an in-person examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions and a compensable rating have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted readjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including migraine headaches, shoulder disorders, sleep apnea, insomnia, hydrocephalus, cellulitis, atrial fibrillation, memory loss, and major depression. The evidence submitted is considered new and relevant to these claims.

The Veteran's child, J.E., was permanently incapable of self-support due to a mental disorder prior to the age of 18. The Board found that J.E.'s condition prevented her from engaging in any employment and she required constant support.

The Veteran's MDD resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70% disability rating. A TDIU was also granted.