Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and alcohol use disorder, was denied as there is no evidence of a current in-service event or injury that led to these conditions. The Board found the Veteran's claims were based on secondary service connection due to his asthma, but since he does not have a currently service-connected asthma, this claim cannot be granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 29, 2016. The appeal period for PTSD with MDD is from February 21, 2016, to February 21, 2017.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for subdural hematoma and entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded for further evaluation due to the passage of time since their last examinations. The issue of TDIU prior to April 1, 2015 is also being remanded as it is intertwined with these evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for rheumatoid arthritis is denied as there is no evidence of current disability.,The Veteran's claims for depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are remanded to obtain a VA examination to clarify whether they are related to service-connected PTSD or other medical conditions.,The Veteran's claim for sleep apnea is remanded to determine the cause of her weight gain, which may be due to medications prescribed for PTSD.,The Veteran's claim for liver disease is remanded to determine if it was caused by weight gain due to medications prescribed for PTSD and lack of motivation to exercise due to PTSD. Service connection cannot be established as no direct link to service has been found.,The Veteran's claim for cerebral aneurysm rupture is remanded to determine if it was related to hypertension, which is already service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that it is related to his military service and consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of his service. The Veteran was awarded compensation for all diagnosed psychiatric conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, including other specified personality disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, should be remanded due to incomplete records. The AOJ needs to request additional treatment records from the Family Advocacy Program at Hickam AFB and obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral foot disorder, acid reflux, and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorders. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from September 9, 2011, through February 24, 2014, and from May 2, 2016, to present. The Board remanded the case for further development regarding the period from May 28, 2011, through September 8, 2011.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are granted as service-connected due to the credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor event.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection on incomplete bladder emptying was withdrawn by his representative.,Service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder, was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his request. The TDIU claim prior to March 16, 2020 was denied because the Veteran had been employed full-time until he became disabled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective as of the date of this decision. The Veteran also received a grant for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was denied, and the effective date is not granted as there are no earlier claims or Intents to File that would warrant a prior effective date.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as there is no appeal on this issue. The rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and MDD remains pending and requires further remand to obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a mental health disorder, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a link between his current diagnoses and military service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder NOS, left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, hemorrhoids, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are all found to be service-connected.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's diagnosed conditions based on their direct relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dementia as a residual of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is also granted for low back arthritis with recurrent lumbar sprains, recurring dermatitis and actinic keratosis of the skin, allergic conjunctivitis of both eyes, and major depressive disorder with anxiety secondary to service-connected dementia.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to April 5, 2010 is being remanded due to the Board's error in not considering the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. The evidence shows that his psychiatric and groin pull disabilities have significantly impacted his ability to secure and maintain employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that her pre-existing conditions did not worsen during service and were not related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current mental health conditions are related to his military service.