Depression decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's current depressive disorder is not related to his military service.

The claims of service connection for sleep apnea, low back disorder, bilateral foot disorder, arthritis (bilateral hands and knees), acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with depression), and hypertension have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of 50 percent or higher for major depressive disorder and his claim for TDIU are both remanded due to the need for AOJ review of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxious distress and alcohol use disorder are granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, specifically sleep apnea and left ankle injury.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be the primary cause of his obstructive sleep apnea, and he has been granted a higher disability rating for his psychiatric disorder. His TDIU claim from April 18, 2013 to July 24, 2018 (excluding May 10, 2014 to April 6, 2016) is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case will be returned for further examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for depression was withdrawn, and the claims for sarcoidosis, lymphadenopathy, lymphadenitis of the joints, headaches (secondary to PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD), and cirrhosis with enlarged spleen and esophageal varices were all dismissed due to lack of new and material evidence or other legal grounds.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder have resulted in total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle arthritis and major depression, finding that the medications used to treat these conditions caused the obesity which led to the current diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his wrist disabilities and service connection for a disability secondary to his service-connected proximal muscle myopathy of the bilateral upper extremity are remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the Board has dismissed all issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the nature of any psychiatric disabilities, their relationship to service, and the current severity of malaria residuals.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease, tension headaches, and depressive disorder are all granted. The Veteran is also awarded a TDIU effective from May 3, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate December 2019 VA examination and the need for updated private treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is being reviewed again with a new medical examination.

The appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and anxiety, is granted. The appeals for service connection for a right leg disorder and a right knee disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the appellant's permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining the age of 18. The appellant needs a VA examination and additional information.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, bowel incontinence, and bladder incontinence are inadequate. The claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 must be remanded to obtain new opinions from different providers.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and MDD, are rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his claimed conditions and his active-duty service. The issues of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea are being reviewed further.