Depression decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for depression and substance abuse disorder as they are inextricably intertwined due to the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis. The issues will be recharacterized, and a VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran's depression and substance abuse disorder are related to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was reopened and granted. The Board found that the evidence supported a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service despite conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination, and the Veteran should be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to assess whether his acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service, including the reasonably raised theory that it may be proximately due to the service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board has granted a TDIU from October 31, 2020 based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his inability to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his knee conditions and depressive disorder. The Board denied a TDIU prior to October 31, 2020 as there was not sufficient evidence of unemployability at that time.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and MDD has been granted, with the Board finding that reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran did not require such assistance prior to November 9, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 70 percent for depression, effective October 20, 2015, is granted. The Veteran previously had a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 50% from August 31, 2015 to September 23, 2017 and at 70% thereafter. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for OSA.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress and irregular sleep pattern, as well as alcohol use disorder, is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and cardiac disabilities were denied as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his in-service exposures.,The Veteran's left foot disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, and mood swings) were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed due to the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent effective October 4, 2019. The appeal is granted for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent prior to that date.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with panic disorder and unspecified anxiety, is rated at a 70 percent disability rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has granted a 50% evaluation for depressive disorder from December 22, 2009. The case is remanded for further action on the issue of higher ratings and TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression and substance abuse) due to a lack of evidence linking his current mental health conditions to his military service. The Board found that there was no onset or aggravation during active duty, and post-service treatment records did not show any link between his in-service discharge and his current condition.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and insomnia. The Veteran's current psychiatric symptoms are found to be related to his military service.

The claims for service connection have been reopened, and tinnitus has been granted. The left forearm and hand disorder is denied as already compensated by the partial amputation. The acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD) and a back disorder are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, finding that there is not a current diagnosis of PTSD and no link between his symptoms and service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD, are granted service connection. However, the claim for PTSD is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, with the Board finding that his current diagnosis of recurrent tinnitus began during active service.,PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis and the evidence does not support a stressor event. The Veteran's depressive disorder with insomnia is found to be secondary to service-connected disabilities.