Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability was denied. However, the Board granted entitlement to TDIU beginning April 23, 2015. The claims for increased ratings for post-traumatic headaches and residuals of traumatic brain injury were remanded.

The Veteran's sinusitis was granted a rating in excess of 10 percent.,Service connection for dry eye syndrome and anxiety and depression, both secondary to service-connected sinusitis, were also granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including an earlier effective date for other specified depressive disorder and increased ratings for TBI-related conditions. The claims are being referred back to the RO for further development.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's headaches and depression are related to his military service, including his service-connected tinnitus. As a result, service connection for both conditions is granted.

The Veteran is granted a higher rate of SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(m) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions, which include generalized sarcoidosis with headaches, cardiomegaly associated with generalized sarcoidosis with headaches, bilateral diabetic retinopathy with macular edema and cataract, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, major depressive disorder, erectile dysfunction, and dermatitis. The Veteran is in receipt of a combined total evaluation for compensation of 100 percent from July 22, 2008.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequacies in the VA examinations and other issues.

The Veteran's service-connected voiding dysfunction and major depressive disorder have prevented her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for restoration of his disability rating, and now remands the case to review the propriety of reducing his adjustment disorder rating from 100% to 50%. The claim remains pending.

The Board granted effective dates of April 26, 2010 for the awards of service connection and initial disability ratings for bilateral lower extremity paresthesia/radiculopathy and left lower extremity paresthesia/radiculopathy. The Veteran also received a higher rating for his left lower extremity paresthesia/radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including unspecified depressive disorder with mild alcohol use disorder (claimed as PTSD), has been dismissed because the Regional Office granted service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder in a February 2023 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's appeal is related to her PTSD and major depressive disorder, with a request for an increased rating and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's psychiatric disability is related to service. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for another VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including assessing symptoms such as impaired impulse control and outbursts of anger.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder and TDIU was granted effective August 4, 2017. The effective date is the earliest date of which it is factually ascertainable based on all evidence of record that an increase in disability had occurred.

The Board denied a total disability rating for compensation based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to April 6, 2010. The evidence did not show that the Veteran's major depressive disorder with sleep disorder and anxiety attacks rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and depressive disorder, including a lack of verification for an in-service stressor. The VA examiner found no link between the conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development and evaluation, including obtaining relevant medical records and determining whether service connection can be established for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. A new VA examination is required.

The Board dismissed all the appeals, including those for service connection and evaluations for various conditions. The Veteran withdrew his appeal in writing on December 7, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder and panic disorder is granted, effective from May 15, 2009. The Board also found that the Veteran's headache disability should be remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records.