Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 10 percent for his left inguinal hernia repair scar is granted. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, left hip condition, and right hip condition are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that the Veteran's current conditions had their onset during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious distress and psychotic features was granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, chronic stage 4 kidney disease, heart disease, diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, and diabetic neuropathy of the upper extremities were all denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for unspecified depressive disorder is denied. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment, but the Veteran meets the schedular requirements for TDIU based on his service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been denied. The effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is set at January 14, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, has been granted due to the submission of new evidence that is relevant to his claims. The Board found that he had current diagnoses and in-service stressors leading to his current conditions.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 30, 2001 for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder, NOS. The Veteran's claim was pending since his informal claim in April 2000 and a formal claim on July 30, 2001.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 30, 2001 for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder, NOS. The Veteran's claim was pending since his informal claim in April 2000 and a formal claim was submitted on July 30, 2001.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 30, 2001 for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder, NOS. The Veteran's claim was pending since his informal claim in April 2000 and a formal claim on July 30, 2001.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with TBI was granted an initial 70 percent rating effective January 31, 2017. The upper brachial plexus injury claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD prior to November 12, 2019 and TDIU before that date are both remanded due to the need for additional records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and headaches due to a lack of evidence in her VA treatment records. The Veteran is requested to provide information about any relevant medical providers.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder was granted. The cases of increased ratings for hammertoe and the effective date for a higher rating were remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected multiple sclerosis and its manifestations, as well as secondary service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development to obtain VA medical opinions and to review additional pertinent evidence, including VA treatment records from January 2017 to May 2021.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for various disorders, including foot fungus, nose disorder, back disorder, asthma, psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and hearing loss. The appeals are being remanded to obtain clarification on private treatment records and to schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for generalized anxiety disorder with panic and depression (an acquired psychiatric disorder) is granted. The effective date for this grant is January 13, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The appeal is now back before the Board for further consideration.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted as service connected. The claim for TBI remains pending due to the need for additional private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his death, and the case cannot be continued as it stands.