Depression decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The claim will be further evaluated with a VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD with anxiety and depression, bilateral hearing loss, degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine with muscle spasms, cervical spine, left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, and left lower extremity varicose veins are all granted. The service connection is determined to be direct.

The Board dismissed the appeal of service connection for major depressive disorder (claimed as depression) due to a procedural defect, and the issue will be reviewed under the Legacy review system.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service records and need for new VA medical opinions regarding her claimed orthopedic disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder secondary to the service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is seeking an initial rating in excess of 10 percent and entitlement to TDIU, both of which are remanded.

The Veteran's rating for major depressive disorder with PTSD was reduced from 70% to 50%, but the reduction was found invalid, and her original 70% rating is restored.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no basis to increase this rating. The issues of PTSD with depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder, hypertension, degenerative disc disease with sciatica, TDIU prior to May 28, 2010, and special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status are all remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion to address whether any acquired psychiatric disorder existed prior to service and if it is related to service. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted service connection, while his bilateral bunions and depression were denied. His scar #1 and testicle removal were also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have not been rated higher than 50 percent, and his claim for TDIU has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depression, was granted a 70 percent rating from May 20, 2013 to December 31, 2013.

The Board found the Veteran was insane at the time of his misconduct, lifting the regulatory bar to VA benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examinations regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder. A new examination is required for a proper determination.

The Veteran's tension headaches and acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted a 50% rating from September 29, 2015. The appeal for increased ratings is denied, and the issue of TDIU is remanded.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed stressor and inadequate medical opinions. The case is now before the VA examiner or another qualified professional to provide a new opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, is related to his service-connected wrist condition. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder, finding that new evidence did not establish a nexus between his current psychiatric conditions and military service.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent prior to March 19, 2015 and 50 percent thereafter. The Board also granted TDIU from March 3, 2014 onwards.