Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD, an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, and entitlement to a TDIU are being remanded due to inextricably intertwined issues. The AOJ will reexamine these claims and determine whether additional review or development is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymia-persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 70% effective April 29, 2015.,The Veteran's OSA is rated at 50% effective August 13, 2018.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is rated at a 50 percent since May 16, 2019.

The Veteran's initial rating for major depressive disorder has been granted at a 50 percent level. The claims of service connection for IBS and stress incontinence are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and a new medical opinion due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's in-service stressor, lack of corroboration, and insufficient treatment records.

The Veteran's amyloidosis is granted service connection due to herbicide agent exposure. The psychiatric disability remains at a 70% rating, and the left posterior thigh disability and associated scar are rated appropriately.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim due to insufficient evidence regarding his in-service stressors and their relationship to his current psychiatric conditions. The claims are also being remanded for a new VA examination.

The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, headache disorder, sleep apnea, and left knee disability is remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate attempts by the AOJ to verify stressors and obtain necessary medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, panic disorder, and depressive disorder are now pending.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his depressive disorder with anxiety was denied prior to July 22, 2011. From July 22, 2011, to January 3, 2020, the Veteran received a 50 percent rating. The case is remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for an increased disability evaluation for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and service connection for various conditions. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with these other claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to service. The decision regarding bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since March 30, 2020. The Board has granted a TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and depression is granted, as well as entitlement to SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ. The claim for service connection for psychosis for treatment purposes is dismissed due to the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 100 percent from October 27, 2016 to June 7, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, PTSD with MDD, and erectile dysfunction was granted. The issue of increased rating for PTSD with MDD is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder is denied. The effective date for this increase is set at August 17, 2018.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including depression, bipolar disorder, and/or paranoid schizophrenia. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis C or an acquired psychiatric disability, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with insomnia is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.