Depression decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in a previous VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran needs another VA examination and an updated medical opinion.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the claim for service connection for major depressive disorder. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for a VA opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to service-connected major depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The reduction in the rating assigned for hypothyroidism, degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder with rotator cuff tear, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine were granted. TDIU based on service-connected disabilities other than hypothyroidism was granted effective from February 23, 2015 to September 19, 2019, and special monthly compensation based on housebound status was granted effective February 23, 2015.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his service-connected abdominal scars and urinary incontinence. The issues of TDIU due to service-connected conditions and a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to June 26, 2020, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter for posttraumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions was dismissed. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but the issues of right and left elbow disabilities, ankle trauma, sleep apnea, eye trauma, and a left shoulder disability were withdrawn by the Veteran prior to decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, TMJ, and various musculoskeletal conditions have been denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for these conditions are also denied.,Additionally, the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been denied.

Service connection for oropharyngeal cancer is granted. Service connection for major depressive disorder secondary to throat cancer is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, left knee disability, lower back disability, neck disability, acquired skin disorder (PFB, eczema, lichen simplex), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depressive disorder). The claim for bilateral pes planus is granted due to aggravation of a pre-existing condition during active service. The other claims are remanded as new evidence has been received but the Board did not find it sufficient to grant service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence of in-service exposure and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's representative withdrew all issues on appeal, including those for service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and the Board found no evidence to warrant a higher rating. The acquired psychiatric disability claim has been remanded due to insufficient evidence for proper evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and knee conditions, caused him to need regular aid and attendance. The Board granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment since September 28, 2019.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and sleep apnea. The claims are inextricably intertwined with hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for breathing problems, lumbago with protruding disc, lower back nerve damage, sleep apnea, and bilateral flat feet have been dismissed. The Veteran's PTSD with other specified depressive disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating prior to December 13, 2019, but denied any higher rating thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, TBI, and post-traumatic headaches are remanded for further development.