Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and special monthly compensation are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The issues include right wrist disability, psychiatric disabilities, erectile dysfunction, and loss of use.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The kidney condition claim is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 2010, effective April 2006. The Board also granted the Veteran a TDIU rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to conflicting evidence regarding the onset of psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements will be considered in a new VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development and need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives, including failure to provide proper notice for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service stressor of being shot at by enemy troops from behind headstones in a nearby cemetery.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to difficulties in scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and right knee arthritis have been granted service connection. The Veteran's left knee disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) as his employment with the United States Postal Service was considered to be in a protected environment and he earned more than marginal income.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for MDD was denied, and his service connection claim for left lower extremity radiculopathy was also denied. The low back disorder claim resulted in a grant of a higher rating.,Claims for compensable ratings for scars status post pilonidal cyst removal and scars status post left knee surgery were both denied.

The Board has remanded the claim for TDIU due to insufficient evidence showing that the Veteran is unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities. The case must be referred to the Director of Compensation Services for consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being reconsidered.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorders have resulted in a 70% disability rating since October 12, 2018. The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) has been granted a TDIU from April 28, 2009 to May 26, 2015. The initial rating of 70 percent for the acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) is granted prior to June 4, 2017 and thereafter. However, the issue of an initial rating in excess of 70 percent remains pending.

Your service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including panic disorder, depression, and anxiety, has already been granted. The rating assigned is 30 percent and effective from January 17, 2012.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, is related to service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorder are rated at 50 percent, but no higher. The initial compensable rating for lumbar spine DJD prior to June 26, 2019 is denied. The case is remanded for further evaluation of the lumbar spine DJD from June 26, 2019 onwards and for TDIU.

The Veteran's headache disability, including migraines, is granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) and OSA are denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD and MDD have worsened since his last VA examination in August 2017. The Board also finds that the Veteran reasonably raised a claim for TDIU, which is part of this appeal. Both issues are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.