Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's foot fungus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's depression claim is denied.,The Veteran's right knee disability is granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for ALS has been granted. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a back disability remains pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, depression, and insomnia disorder, is related to service exposure to the death of North Korean soldiers during a training exercise in Korea. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in duty to assist and incomplete medical opinions. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is being granted.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for major depressive disorder prior to June 10, 2014 was granted at a 70 percent rating. A 100 percent disability rating was granted beginning December 9, 2015. The claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to major depressive disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition and left knee strain are granted service connection as they are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for depression and insomnia, resulting in their dismissal.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to May 1, 2017 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claims for a right shoulder disability and hepatitis residuals have been dismissed. The claim for MDD prior to February 21, 2020 has been granted. The issues of left hip disability and bilateral foot disabilities are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for service connection purposes, and therefore, his claims for bilateral hearing loss, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, TBI, migraine headaches, and psychiatric disorder are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting diagnoses and the need for a VA opinion on direct service connection, as well as verification of claimed stressors involving in-service fighter jet crashes.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for both the hearing loss and psychiatric disorder claims, as new examinations are required to determine if there is a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is denied as there is no evidence it was caused or aggravated by service.,Ratings for right and left knee degenerative arthritis are denied as the current flexion and extension limitations do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostatitis, hypertension, depression, hypothyroidism, anemia with iron deficiency, sleep apnea, upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, are all denied.,No evidence of in-service injury or disease is found to be related to the Veteran's current conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, previously rated at 50 percent, is now granted a rating of 70 percent effective February 13, 2020.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The claims are now remanded for further review by the AOJ.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss were denied as there was no evidence of a claim prior to February 24, 2020.,The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss was denied due to the average puretone threshold being at Level II (noncompensable).,Service connection for esophageal disorder and IBS were denied as there is no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and service.,Service connection for a back disability, right shoulder disability, respiratory disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder were granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric conditions have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment, and he is granted a TDIU. Additionally, the Veteran is granted SMC effective October 28, 2021.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and MDD (now psychiatric disorder), and for a head injury/TBI. The cases are remanded for further development.