Depression decisions — 2023

Service connection is granted for psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression.,Service connection is granted for right shoulder impingement syndrome due to aggravation during service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including mood disorder, depressive disorder, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder with alcohol dependence, are rated at a 70 percent disability level effective from September 23, 2020.

The appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis is dismissed. The appeals for service connection for cold injury residuals to the feet, lumbosacral strain, gastrointestinal condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and hypertension are all remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder was dismissed due to procedural issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder does not more closely approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating, and thus denies an initial rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression as there is no probative evidence that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service. The claim for bipolar disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder is denied for increased ratings, with the exception of a TDIU granted effective October 2, 2014. The appeal was previously remanded and the Board has not considered additional evidence added after the Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's claim for PCAFC benefits was remanded due to inadequate notice and the need for clarification of which criteria were unmet. The Board found that his combined rating is more than 70 percent, but the decisions did not clearly indicate which requirements were met or unmet.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, is related to his service-connected physical conditions and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities. The appeal is remanded for further consideration of issues related to increased ratings and service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and hearing loss are remanded due to unresolved medical and procedural matters.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for obstructive sleep apnea was denied, while his claim for TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's UDD is related to his active service.,The Veteran's bilateral heel spurs had its onset during his active service and are now service-connected.,The Veteran's spine disability is proximately due to his now-service-connected bilateral heel spurs.,The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during his active service.,The Veteran withdrew the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the VA examiner's opinion is inadequate and remands for further clarification regarding the etiology of unspecified depressive disorder and/or major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied. Service connection for hypertension (HTN) is granted and the appeal is remanded for further examination to determine if service connection should be granted for bilateral foot, knee, neck, or right shoulder disorders.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date for a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is being remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. The effective date is June 27, 2022.

The Board has found that the most recent VA examination is inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to determine all psychiatric diagnoses present during the period on appeal and their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of adenocarcinoma of the prostate are granted a rating of 60 percent, effective January 29, 2020.,For the period prior to December 31, 2020, the Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is granted a rating of 30 percent.