Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, and MDD are all granted. The MDD is found to be secondary to service-connected disabilities including right knee DJD, right thumb fracture with residuals, and left fifth finger degenerative arthritis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination and the Veteran's incarceration status. The case will be returned for further evaluation, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 70 percent for Persistent Depressive Disorder prior to January 29, 2021 was granted. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and depression, but has remanded all remaining issues due to the need for additional evidence.,The Board also found that there is insufficient medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability.

The Board has dismissed all the appeals regarding service connection and rating for various conditions, including tinnitus, neck disability, knee and hip disabilities, ankle disability, depressive disorder with panic disorder, and back disability. The decision is due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD and a claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the October 2012 rating decision denying depression. The CUE issue is not yet adjudicated, so it cannot be decided at this time.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inadequate VA examinations and treatment records. The issues include TBI, unspecified depressive disorder/mood disorder, and bilateral eye disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The claim for service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary to ensure VA fulfilled its duty to assist the Veteran in substantiating his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's MDD has been granted a 70 percent rating, effective from January 31, 2013. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of in-service stressors and a need for further psychiatric evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine condition, a cervical spine condition, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service complaints of back pain and mental health issues, as well as her continued treatment over the years.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to confirm the Veteran's alleged personal assault and/or rape during service, obtain updated treatment records, and schedule a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed PTSD is related to an in-service assault. The Veteran will also be provided with a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting findings and the need for further VA examinations.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine prior to July 24, 2018 was granted. He is currently rated at 10 percent effective from February 4, 2011.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his MDD remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disability and insomnia, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current psychiatric disabilities and his military service.

Your initial compensable ratings for scar of right hand, third finger; scars of the right knee and ankle; left knee degenerative arthritis; total right knee replacement have been dismissed.,Your appeal to reopen service connection for a right shoulder injury has been dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including STRs and MPRs. The Veteran also needs to provide copies of any non-VA treatment records he has in his possession.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder was denied, and the claim for TDIU prior to March 28, 2017 was also denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for osteoarthritis of the right 5th MCP joint is denied, and his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is remanded.