Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20 percent, and a higher rating is denied.,PTSD and MDD are rated at 50 percent prior to August 30, 2016, and at 70 percent from that date. The issues of increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are remanded.,The Veteran's left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent, and a higher rating is remanded.,The Veteran's right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent, and a higher rating is remanded.,The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 10 percent, and a higher rating is remanded.,The Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 10 percent, and a higher rating is remanded.,TDIU is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the remaining issues on appeal. Specifically, efforts are required to obtain missing service treatment records from the Veteran's National Guard service and verify his claimed in-service stressors.,The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the remaining issues on appeal. Specifically, efforts are required to obtain missing service treatment records from the Veteran's National Guard service and verify his claimed in-service stressors.,The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the remaining issues on appeal. Specifically, efforts are required to obtain missing service treatment records from the Veteran's National Guard service and verify his claimed in-service stressors.,,The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the remaining issues on appeal. Specifically, efforts are required to obtain missing service treatment records from the Veteran's National Guard service and verify his claimed in-service stressors.,The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the remaining issues on appeal. Specifically, efforts are required to obtain missing service treatment records from the Veteran's National Guard service and verify his claimed in-service stressors.,The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the remaining issues on appeal. Specifically, efforts are required to obtain missing service treatment records from the Veteran's National Guard service and verify his claimed in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include major depressive disorder due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives and the need for a VA examination of the Veteran while incarcerated at FCI Seagoville.

The Veteran's back, left knee, and major depressive disorder have been granted service connection. The Board has also remanded for further examination to determine if his erectile dysfunction is related to these conditions.

The Board has withdrawn the claim for service connection for asthma and has remanded the claims for residuals of skin melanoma, bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder), and loss of erectile power due to an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including obesity resulting from his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for numbness in the bilateral hands and legs, thighs, and feet have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,Service connection has also been denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Veteran did not provide a verified in-service stressor that would support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and etiology opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on in-service stressors including military sexual trauma.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous remand instructions and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the appellant's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death, finding that there is clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's depression and substance abuse disorder pre-existed service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, respiratory disorders, lung nodule, gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and irritable bowel syndrome are all granted service connection. The hypertension claim is denied.,Service connection for the acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD, depression, anxiety disorder, and nightmare disorder) is granted based on in-service stressors and continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining a VHA determination on eligibility for dental treatment and an addendum VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed dental disability. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's anxiety and depression symptoms from 1999 and 2000, which may be related to his current adjustment disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis for the period prior to May 18, 2018 due to insufficient evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's headaches, including as secondary to his service-connected MDD, should be remanded for further development and an adequate VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected mental health conditions prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment, and a remand is necessary to obtain updated information about his employment history and a VA opinion regarding his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions prevent him from dressing, undressing, bathing, grooming himself without assistance and requires care to protect him from daily hazards. The Board finds that SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and the relationship between his current psychiatric conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a personality disorder is reopened, and the case is remanded due to insufficient evidence on the nature of his psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected bilateral flat foot.