Depression decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and TDIU due to service-connected PTSD, as well as obtaining additional private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen his claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The appeals seeking service connection for right shoulder disability, right and left bunion pain, and anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression are dismissed as the claims have been rendered moot by prior awards.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to service.,The Veteran's genitourinary disability is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the June 2022 VA examiner to determine its relationship to service.,The Veteran's right wrist CTS is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the November 2022 VA examiner to determine if it is related to service.,PTSD and other specified depressive disorder (hereinafter PTSD) are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to service.,Right leg shin splints are being remanded for an addendum opinion from the June 2022 VA examiner to determine their relationship to service.,Left leg shin splints are being remanded for an addendum opinion from the June 2022 VA examiner to determine their relationship to service.,Allergic rhinitis is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the January 2023 VA examiner to determine its relationship to service.,Dermatitis is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the January 2023 VA examiner to determine its relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for additional evidence, including private treatment records from Dr. Cheryl in Chisholm and Dr. Bolgini.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and depression have been granted service connection. The Veteran's disability characterized by fatigue, including chronic fatigue syndrome caused by gulf war syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea caused by obesity, and asthma are being remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for anxiety disorder, insomnia disorder, and major depressive disorder due to lack of medical opinion on etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder by history is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability, and for additional development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety and depression, began during active service and the Board has granted this claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypercholesterolemia, euthyroid multinodular goiter, and adjustment disorder with depression have been denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for euthyroid multinodular goiter and a 30 percent rating for adjustment disorder with depression are also denied.,The Veteran's claims for new and material evidence to reopen service connection claims for right hip disability, left hip disability, right ulnar nerve neuropathy/entrapment, and left ulnar nerve neuropathy/entrapment have been remanded. The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED), STI in the right gluteal region, obstructive sleep apnea, cellulitis of the left lower extremity, a right eye corneal abrasion/injury, and alcohol dependence have also been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with DDD prior to January 28, 2023, and greater than 30 percent thereafter has been remanded. The Veteran's claims for a rating greater than 10 percent for allergic rhinitis prior to January 28, 2023, and greater than 10 percent thereafter have also been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 10 percent for right knee arthritis has been remanded. The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 10 percent for left knee arthritis has also been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for thoracic spine disability prior to August 30, 2019, and greater than 10 percent thereafter has been remanded. The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 30 percent for right elbow lateral epicondylitis with osteoarthritis and limitation of flexion (previously rated as olecranon spur) has also been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 10 percent for adjustment disorder with depression has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Veteran's Vet Center records and addressing whether VA made reasonable efforts to obtain these records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. Service connection is now established for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), seizures, and obstructive sleep apnea.,However, the Board has found that additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's claimed conditions are secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia, as well as tinnitus. The rating for bronchial asthma was restored to 30 percent effective May 1, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder(s). The Veteran's statements regarding in-service personal assaults are also being considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression has resulted in total occupational and social impairment since March 16, 2020. A 100% evaluation is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient notice and development, particularly regarding his claim for PTSD based on in-service personal assault. The cervical pain claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a rating in excess of 20 percent for his back disability prior to May 16, 2019, and entitlement to TDIU prior to April 22, 2019. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure and follow substantially gainful occupation since August 9, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to in-service events or diseases.