Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for right lateral epicondylitis, service connection for left arm disorder, migraine disorder, left elbow disorder, bilateral metatarsalgia, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder), and thyroid disorder have been dismissed.,The Veteran withdrew her appeals for these specific issues at a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of a left spontaneous pneumothorax as his claim was already granted in a prior rating decision. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and ankylosing spondylitis are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pulmonary fibrosis, shortness of breath (including emphysema), depression, and hypertension were not incurred in or related to his military service. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are granted as secondary to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims have been dismissed due to their death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these appeals.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates of TDIU and DEA, as these issues were resolved in a prior decision.,The Board has also dismissed the appeal regarding an increased rating for PTSD with MDD, as this matter is now decided by another stream.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of unspecified anxiety disorder and depressive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was denied. The Board found that the earliest date available for service connection is December 10, 2018.,The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for her psychiatric condition was granted with a 100 percent rating effective from December 10, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder and migraine headaches prior to September 28, 2018 has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a cervical spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as depressive disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for bilateral hearing loss, atypical chest pain, and kidney pain. The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for a new VA medical opinion to address whether it is related to his service-connected PTSD with MDD and sleep disturbances, as well as if it was caused by or aggravated by his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to assess the Veteran's employability prior to May 7, 2019, considering his service-connected disabilities and past limitations.

The Veteran's headache disability is granted as service connected. The issues of dizziness and Meniere's disease are remanded for further examination and opinion. The issue of an acquired psychiatric disability (to include anxiety or depression) is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD with unspecified depressive and tobacco use disorders was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms prior to September 20, 2023, did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of medical opinions regarding service connection claims, including those related to hypertension, skeletal arthritis, psychiatric disorders, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disability, but denied service connection for all other conditions due to lack of evidence linking them to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and headaches due to issues with the VA examinations conducted. The Veteran's already service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and TBI should be recharacterized if appropriate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for a traumatic brain injury and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The remaining issues of service connection for lumbar spine, bilateral knee conditions, joint pains, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and development of records.