Depression decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left leg, right leg, and left foot disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus, type II, are denied as not related to his military service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also denied. The VA will schedule examinations to assess the current status of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance was denied because the evidence did not show that he required regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's mood disorder with depression is caused by the service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition from October 12, 2016 through May 13, 2022.

The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is remanded due to new and material evidence having been received. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of the Veteran's psychiatric disability and its relationship to service. The Veteran is to be examined by VA for a psychiatric evaluation.

The Board has determined that more development is necessary before final adjudication of the claims on appeal, including scheduling VA examinations for the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and her claimed low back, bilateral hip, right knee, and seizure disorders.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen her service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, mood disorder, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder as secondary to service-connected halitosis. The decision also grants service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis due to aggravation by the service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with verifying the Veteran's in-service stressors and for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination for the Veteran's depressive disorder, which may be related to his service. The case is also remanded for further adjudication on the merits.

The Veteran's service-connected autoimmune disorder to include rheumatoid arthritis has resulted in the need for aid and attendance of another, as evidenced by his inability to perform daily activities independently due to joint pain, swelling, and weakness. He requires assistance with bathing, grooming, and keeping himself clean and presentable.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a psychiatric disability and erectile dysfunction due to potential conflicts in diagnoses and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 100 percent rating for PTSD and MDD has been dismissed as the claim was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed depressive disorder, which is related to his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has remanded the claim due to a duty-to-assist error where the Veteran was not afforded a VA examination to determine if his acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to service. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability will be reconsidered.

An effective date of July 24, 2019, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and major depressive disorder is granted.,Entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for the period prior to January 14, 2020, for a psychiatric disability is denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and unspecified neurocognitive disorder, is related to his service-connected conditions or other factors. The examiner will need to provide opinions on whether these disabilities are proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as due to his service-connected major depressive disorder was denied in April 2017. The Board found that the effective date of April 29, 2016, is correct and cannot be earlier.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including a lumbar disorder, dental disorders, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, insomnia, and anxiety), headaches, and dry eye syndrome.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to lack of compliance with previous remand directives regarding a VA examination for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder.