Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's migraines are granted a 50 percent rating, the maximum schedular rating. The issue of a higher rating for PTSD with depression and TBI residuals is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple claims for increased ratings related to his service-connected psychiatric and orthopedic conditions. The Board has determined that these claims require additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting new VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of an initial compensable rating for TBI residuals and an increased rating for depressive disorder with anxious distress due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran needs further evaluations by VA clinicians who have completed the DEMO TBI training module.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board will request a VA examination to determine if his depression is related to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted service connection as related to in-service sexual assault.,Service connection for insomnia is denied, as it is considered a symptom of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right CTS, and left CTS have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The claim for tinnitus has been reopened but denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period from May 1, 2013 to March 12, 2014 is granted.,The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period from May 1, 2014 to October 10, 2021 is granted.,The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period from May 1, 2022 is granted.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for updated employment information and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right hand and wrist conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to a Total Disability Rating due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a retrospective medical opinion regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Veteran's service connection for asbestos related pleural abcess and unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress and insomnia is granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection for these conditions is February 16, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected other specified depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding whether the Veteran participated in combat and provided an addendum opinion on his psychiatric diagnoses. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD with chronic major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to May 12, 2021. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied. A TDIU and Dependents Educational Assistance have been granted as of November 9, 2018.

The appeal for service connection of anxiety disorder, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination and further review of the claim, as new evidence suggests that Major Depressive Disorder may have had its onset in service or is related to a disease, event, or injury during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents, and the need for further medical opinions on the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased evaluation and TDIU have been dismissed because the issues were already pending under a Higher Level Review option, which is not allowed concurrently.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for depression, as it was not supported by a current diagnosis of depression that conforms with DSM-5 criteria. The VA examiner could not locate the neuropsychological evaluation from Dr. Boutin.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder and a rating in excess of 30 percent for his bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational or social impairment, which is required for a higher rating.