Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, was reopened due to new evidence. The Board found that the Veteran's active service likely caused his acquired psychiatric disorder and granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further review due to new evidence received after the issuance of the Statement of the Case (SOC). The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a permanent and total evaluation for PTSD with depressive disorder is being considered, but eligibility for Dependent's Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits will be deferred until this matter is resolved.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression), but denied reopening of his claims for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension.,VA examinations are required to determine if MS had onset during or is otherwise related to the Veteran's active service, and whether an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression) is caused by or aggravated by MS.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder with anxiety, is granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. His left knee scar is granted a 10 percent evaluation for being painful or unstable. The right knee disability is granted a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, particularly PTSD and major depressive disorder. The AOJ is instructed to provide another examination to determine if these conditions are related to service or caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected back and radiculopathy disabilities. The entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and an earlier effective date are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other conditions like depression, psychosis, anxiety, and PTSD. The evidence did not show a current disability related to service or any in-service stressor.

The Veteran's death was caused by congestive heart failure, which is listed as a 'sequel to Agent Orange' on his death certificate. The Board has ordered further development including obtaining medical records and an addendum opinion from the VA examiner who previously reviewed the case.

The Veteran's depression is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee and/or left hip disabilities. The Veteran's right knee and left hip increased rating claims are also being remanded for additional examinations to assess the severity of these conditions, taking into account the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from August 11, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and OCD, are related to his military service. The appeal is granted.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorders prior to July 25, 2012. The severity, frequency, and duration of his psychiatric symptoms more closely approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to substantially comply with its March 2022 remand order, requiring an addendum opinion on the etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for his psychiatric disability and TDIU prior to June 1, 2013 have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew from appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar disability, a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for his major depressive disorder with PTSD, an earlier effective date for his major depressive disorder with PTSD, and a TDIU claim. The issues are being referred back to the AOJ for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder, finding that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for psychiatric disorders, finding that the evidence does not support a link between current diagnoses and military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities have been granted service connection. His depressive disorder has also been granted.,A 100% disability rating for CAD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with other specified depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has remanded both his claim for a higher rating and his TDIU claim due to new evidence and symptom progression.