Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and trauma and stressor related disorder are granted as service-connected. The issue of PTSD is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for unspecified depressive disorder prior to February 15, 2022 and for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for the same condition effective February 15, 2022 has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected depressive disorder and right hip disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU. The matter of an increased rating for left hip strain is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depressive disorder and left ankle strain, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 1, 2019.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, and his initial rating for unspecified depressive disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder is related to his in-service experiences, including harassment and racism. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, opioid use disorder, and right knee disability are being remanded due to the submission of additional VA treatment records. The AOJ will review these records and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted as service connected. The evidence supports a finding that the conditions began during active service or are related to an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, are related to his service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back, hip, shin splints, knee, and psychiatric disabilities are not adequately addressed by the VA examinations provided. Therefore, these claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is granted as service connected due to a non-combat in-service stressor.

The Board has restored the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD to a 100% rating effective February 1, 2018, as the reduction was improper due to lack of evidence showing actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder, but no higher, has been granted. The claim for SMC at the housebound rate is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are all granted service connection.,There is no indication of a specific exposure basis for any of the conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to non-compliance with previous Board directives.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including GAD, depression and PTSD, as well as a higher disability rating for her lumbosacral strain with IVDS are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for SMC due to the need for aid and attendance and/or being housebound is remanded. The case is also remanded to adjudicate the proposal to sever service connection for major neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease, which is inextricably intertwined with the SMC claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and TBI residuals. The examiner is asked to provide a response considering the classified nature of USS Simon Lake's operations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, and insomnia. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether there is additional disability resulting from a disease or injury that was superimposed upon the Veteran's personality disorder as a result of service.