Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent prior to October 3, 2019. The appeal for a higher evaluation on or after that date has been denied.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as it is unclear whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II caused or aggravated his sleep apnea. The examiner must provide an opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his liver cirrhosis initial rating and effective date issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right ankle disorder, and left knee disorder have been denied. The issues are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder prevents him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has remanded for referral to the Director of Compensation Services for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the appeal process.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, GAD, and panic disorder is granted. The claims for prostate cancer, back condition, right knee condition, and sleep disorder are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, as well as a TDIU claim due to the lack of credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors underlying the diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran's current symptoms are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's mental health symptoms have most closely manifested in occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood (contemplated by a 70 percent rating). The claim for an initial increased rating of 70 percent for unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and a left foot disorder due to new evidence received since the November 2014 rating decision. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety and depression as separate conditions from his service-connected PTSD, as well as the claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, have been denied. The effective date for service connection for PTSD remains August 26, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD with somatic symptom disorder and MDD is rated at 70 percent since October 9, 2008.,The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 50 percent since March 16, 2020.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to a request for a Decision Review Office (DRO) hearing.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was denied in January 2015 and remains denied. The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 13, 2018, for the grant of service connection for depression is also denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected depression is remanded. Additionally, his SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and etiology of diagnosed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent from June 8, 2012 to August 23, 2019. The Board has granted a TDIU effective March 29, 2019.,From March 29, 2019 to August 23, 2019, the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided that the VA examination provided was incomplete and remanded for a more thorough evaluation of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, is granted. The rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) remains at 60 percent and the claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The low back disability, liver cancer with liver transplant, hypertension, and TDIU claims are all remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, her case is being remanded as a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if her depression is related to service or if it is aggravated by her service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to non-compliance with previous remands. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim is remanded for a supplemental medical opinion, and his sleep apnea petition is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the psychiatric disorder issue.