Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and left knee scar are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is dismissed as the symptoms are encompassed by his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection has been granted for erectile dysfunction, which is secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, as secondary to his service-connected residuals of prostate cancer.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The issues include reopening claims for service connection for various conditions and seeking higher disability ratings.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder and PTSD, resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but did not more closely approximate total occupational and total social impairment. The Veteran was granted increased disability ratings for their psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not involve his eyes, have not resulted in anatomical loss or use of both feet or one hand and one foot, but they have rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance since January 1, 2019.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has worsened since his last examination and treatment records were last uploaded to the claims file. The Board is remanding the case for an updated VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disability to include a not otherwise specified depressive disorder, an anxiety disorder, a bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and specific phobia is rated at 70 percent from August 27, 2018 to February 17, 2020. The rating will be granted but not higher.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, a heart condition (claimed as coronary artery disease), hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include major depressive disorder. The decision is mixed, with some issues being granted and others not. The appeal was remanded for additional development on the headache condition and major depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD. Additionally, the Board has also remanded to determine whether the appellant meets the criteria for establishment of veteran status for basic eligibility for VA compensation benefits.

The Veteran's MDD has been granted a rating of 70 percent effective August 24, 2016.,However, the claim for TDIU was denied due to insufficient information provided by the Veteran regarding his employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is related to service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new and material evidence. However, the case is remanded as further development is needed to address the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including whether they are superimposed on a personality disorder during active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorders, including MDD with anxiety. The Veteran's hearing loss is also remanded for further examination and opinion. The effective date for service connection remains pending as it was not established in this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The effective date of service connection for residual scar status-post TBI is denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a right shoulder disability, left foot Morton's neuroma, traumatic arthritis of the left ankle, arthralgia of the left knee, post-concussive syndrome, depressive disorder with post-concussive syndrome (previously rated as personality change due to another medical condition), migraine headaches, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The AOJ is directed to obtain all VA treatment records scanned into VistA Imaging or other repository.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent disabling since May 29, 2015. DEA benefits and SMC based on housebound criteria are also granted for the same period.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent, but the Board has determined that this rating does not adequately reflect his current level of impairment. The appeal for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for anxiety disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical records and procedural issues.