Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and depression, is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and etiology opinions.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected psychiatric disorder and for TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further development, including scheduling an examination and completing a VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with other conditions, resulted in occupational and social impairment but did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder with PTSD was rated at 50% prior to August 31, 2021 and increased to 70% from August 31, 2021 to July 1, 2022. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder with PTSD was rated at 70% from July 1, 2022 to present. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issue of service connection for cause of death, including addressing the appellant's testimony regarding the Veteran's drinking habits and the onset of his psychiatric disorder. The Board also seeks clarification on the etiology of the Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver and whether PAD can be considered a compensable condition related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an extension of the delimiting date for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code, Montgomery GI Bill is being remanded due to incomplete development and lack of compliance with prior Board remand directives.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused her to require regular aid and assistance for activities of daily living, such as dressing and undressing. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders was denied because the evidence did not support the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressors.,There is no credible corroborating evidence to support the Veteran's reported stressors, including those related to Hurricane Katrina, alcohol poisoning, and a helicopter fire.

The Veteran's TDIU rating and SMC at the housebound rate prior to February 1, 2014 were denied because he was gainfully employed as a hotel housekeeper during this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed anxiety disorder and depression are related to his service, specifically his exposure to flag-draped coffins during his time onboard the U.S.S. Belknap in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various disabilities, including PTSD and depressive disorder, has been reopened. The Board finds that new evidence supports reopening the claim but remands the case to obtain additional records and provide medical opinions on the issues of service connection.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent from September 27, 2016 to August 23, 2021. The issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was granted and effective from September 27, 2016.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and obstructive sleep apnea are granted service connection, and he is awarded a TDIU for the period beginning on February 14, 2020.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than depression, including posttraumatic stress disorder. The Board dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to discrepancies in her active duty dates and outstanding medical records. The issues include back disability, depression, vertigo, migraines, bilateral wrist pain, right foot disability, and left eye disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric condition, including depression and alcoholism, as well as hepatitis C. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death, and to consider new evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, is granted as service connected. The issue of PTSD is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's stressor is related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his deployment in Kuwait. The other psychiatric disorders are considered as part of the now service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and panic disorder, is rated at 50 percent. The Board has ordered a remand for further examination to determine if the combined effect of his service-connected conditions prevents him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.