Depression decisions — 2023

The Board has restored the Veteran's SMC benefits from March 13, 2017 due to improper severance.

The Board has found that another remand is necessary due to the inadequacy of previous medical opinions and the unverified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than November 21, 2012, and a higher initial rating for his service-connected depressive disorder are being remanded due to procedural errors in the previous decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (including schizophrenia, MDD, and anxiety disorder), low back condition, and cervical condition. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and cannabis use disorder, has been consistently associated with total occupational and social impairment since April 10, 2017. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for this condition effective from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected MDD with PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board found that her symptoms did not warrant a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination to assess the current extent and severity of his sleep disorder, and to determine whether he has a current psychiatric disorder for which service connection may be granted. The matter also requires clarification of the Veteran's reported in-service stressors.

The Board has restored service connection for other specified depressive disorder, finding that the original grant was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, OSTSRD, MDD, and unspecified mild neurocognitive disorder, is remanded due to inadequate stressor verification. The Veteran was stationed in Thailand from October 1965 to February 1966, but VA needs to verify the specific incident where a Thai military officer pointed a gun at him.

The Board has granted service connection for depression secondary to tinnitus, but denied service connection for sleep impairment as a distinct disability.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection was granted, and he is now receiving benefits for variously diagnosed psychiatric disorder. Effective July 5, 2018, the Veteran received a TDIU rating based on his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran also received effective dates for other claims related to hip and knee conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for alcoholism as secondary to PTSD and cirrhosis of the liver as secondary to alcoholism has been dismissed due to his withdrawal request.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain residuals, which caused significant weight gain and led to his diabetes, depression, and cardiovascular disease, contributed substantially or materially to his death. Therefore, the appeal for service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia, is rated at 100 percent from May 24, 2016 to February 20, 2020. The Board found that the severity of symptoms more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder, low back disability, and sinus disability is remanded. The appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation for housebound status and aid and attendance were denied as he did not meet the criteria for these benefits based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for Bruxism, TMJ disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate examinations and the need for further medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include traumatic brain injury, upper and lower extremity conditions, seizure disorder, sleep disorders, TMJ disorder, headaches, and a back condition.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for his depressive disorder, left hip disability, right hip disability, lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, and hypertension to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, anger, and anxiety. The Board found that his psychiatric conditions are less likely related to service or a service-connected condition.