Depression decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case due to a delay in uploading evidence, which prevented the VA from issuing the Statement of the Case (SOC). The Veteran's attorney requested information about the competency of the psychologist who performed mental health examinations.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development due to the addition of relevant VA examination reports and treatment records after previous statements of the case were issued.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of May 11, 2013 for the awards of service connection for various conditions including PTSD and major depressive disorder with TBI residuals, migraine headaches, left knee osteoarthritis with chondromalacia patella, right knee osteoarthritis with chondromalacia patella, thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, tinnitus, and scars of the bilateral knees, left calf (other impairment).

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues of increased evaluations for migraine headaches, PTSD and MDD, and TDIU. The Veteran's representative argues for a new examination due to inconsistencies in the June 2022 VA examination report.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The case is remanded to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's TBI with anxiety disorder, MDD, and unspecified personality disorder is currently rated at 70 percent. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a back disorder and vertigo due to insufficient evidence. A TDIU prior to September 29, 2012, remains on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder and depressive disorder did not result in the need for aid and attendance or housebound status, as his disabilities were primarily due to non-service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities, Meniere's disease, cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and lumbosacral spine disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's complete service treatment records are not available.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for hallux valgus, depression and anxiety, a bilateral eye condition, a tracheotomy scar, a neck condition, and costochondritis has been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.,Service connection is being considered on the merits for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is a direct result of his reported in-service stressor involving treating drug mules executed by the cartel.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from August 12, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete examinations and scheduling issues.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection for depression and sleep disorder is denied. Service connection for COPD, as a presumptive condition under the PACT Act, is granted. The claims for service connection for COPD and low back disorder are remanded.

Your appeal has been dismissed because you requested to withdraw it before the Board made a decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is denied as there is no current disability for VA compensation purposes.,PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder are granted, with PTSD being secondary to service-connected PTSD.,Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, sinusitis, cervical degenerative disc and joint disease (neck condition), acid reflux, chronic fatigue syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and tension headaches are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including schizophrenia and PTSD, due to military sexual trauma (MST), is granted. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received since the June 2011 rating decision denying entitlement to service connection for PTSD. Service connection will be remanded for further examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee conditions, and a left ankle condition were granted in full upon remand. The Board finds that additional remands are required due to the need to obtain VA treatment records from after January 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from August 28, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for anxiety, depression, and right ear hearing loss have been granted. The claim for left ear hearing loss has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for depression and anxiety. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.