Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, and his employment difficulties are attributed to non-service connected factors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, left knee instability, right knee instability, and right knee scar were denied. The effective dates for the separate grants of service connection for these conditions are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for her service-connected major depressive disorder and anxious distress is remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and a separate rating for his TBI due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his back disorder and the nature and severity of his TBI.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and TDIU due to lack of examination, incomplete employment information, and unclear reasons for cancellation of the requested examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities, erectile dysfunction as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, sciatica, and bilateral hip disability due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for further development.

The Board dismissed the appeal for an earlier effective date for PTSD with major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder, cocaine use disorder, and opioid use disorder. The issues of increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have resulted in total occupational and social impairment since June 6, 2018. The Board granted a 100% disability rating for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hemorrhoids and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. A VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claimed stressors and their relation to his current symptoms.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including a depressive disorder, anxiety, and insomnia) is remanded. Service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a sleep disorder, to include OSA, and as secondary to the service-connected unspecified depressive disorder. Additionally, the issue of nonservice-connected pension benefits prior to April 16, 2020 is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TDIU claim is incomplete and requires further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and clarifying information about his work history.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his employability and functional impairment from his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including personality disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The claim is now re-characterized to include these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and total left knee replacement, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted entitlement to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is remanded due to incomplete information. The Board also finds that she does not meet the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress late onset, with persistent major depressive episodes and alcohol use disorder, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and new examinations.