Depression decisions — 2023

The Board has found that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration. The Veteran's left shoulder condition requires a new examination to assess the severity of his flare-ups. His cervical spine condition must be evaluated in relation to his service-connected left shoulder condition. An addendum opinion is needed regarding the acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as an assessment of polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's cervical spine condition needs a new examination that addresses whether it is secondary to his service-connected left shoulder impingement syndrome. A new opinion on the acquired psychiatric disorder must be provided, considering the Veteran's contentions about insomnia, adjustment disorder, and depression.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder needs a new examination that addresses whether it is related to his service. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's kidney condition, claimed as kidney cancer, requires an addendum opinion addressing the relationship between his in-service stone removal and current issues. A new examination is needed for renal insufficiency and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder needs a new examination that addresses whether it occurred in service or is related to his service-connected conditions. A new opinion on polyuria and hypertension must also be provided.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding the relationship between the Veteran's headaches and his service-connected shoulder condition, as well as whether it is caused by or aggravated by any other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, are granted. The claim for residuals of a left eyebrow scar is denied. The claim for residuals of a fractured arm injury (now claimed as left wrist sprain) is reopened.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric condition.,Service connection for hypertension due to exposure to herbicides in service has been granted. The effective date will be determined based on the PACT Act provisions.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional acquired psychiatric disability, to include aggravation of service-connected PTSD, major depression and alcohol abuse in remission is denied as there is no evidence that the VA medical care caused an additional disability or aggravated a pre-existing condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection of major depressive disorder and has remanded his claims regarding right knee, left knee, right hip, and bilateral foot disabilities due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's depression condition is granted a 70 percent rating from September 21, 2007 to October 5, 2016. Ratings for his lumbar condition, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are all granted at 40 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include chronic tonsillitis, hypoventilation, major depressive disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no current disability related to service and insufficient evidence linking any diagnosed conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew all his current claims before a decision was made.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD, which includes symptoms such as severe depression, social isolation, suicidal ideation, and auditory delusions. The decision is based on evidence showing total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of May 17, 2019, for a 70 percent rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The effective date is based on the fact that it was ascertainable that he warranted such a rating from that date.

The Veteran's mental disorder, specifically unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress due to MST and unspecified personality disorder, is rated at a 70 percent level for the period on appeal. The claim of entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is granted a 70% rating effective February 11, 2017. The residuals of her left arm fracture are denied as not compensable.

Service connection for PTSD and MDD is granted, but a compensable rating for acne vulgaris remains denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted pursuant to the PACT Act. Service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression is granted. The claim of service connection for hypertension on a basis other than as pursuant to the PACT Act is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for his depression was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected depressive disorder was denied as the disability most nearly approximates the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation, which is currently assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, PTSD and tension headaches prevent her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating.