Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for major depressive disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to errors in obtaining medical records and for clarification on which docket the Veteran intended to use. The Veteran's attorney provided clear instructions, but additional evidence is needed from VA and private sources.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is related to her military service. The Board has granted entitlement to service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues of PTSD, depression, and plantar fasciitis with degenerative arthritis and plantar calcaneal spur, left foot are all being reviewed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for separate ratings for anxiety and a sleep disorder, finding that these symptoms are part of his service-connected persistent depressive disorder.

The Board denied service connection for insomnia disorder as it is considered a symptom of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure of duty to assist, specifically in verifying an in-service incident and obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran's depressive disorder is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee replacements.

The Board has denied service connection for depression and remanded the issue of service connection for a back injury due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder was denied, with the Board finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher than 30 percent disability rating.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee condition secondary to a service-connected disability is remanded and will be evaluated based on new evidence provided by the VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient opinions regarding all diagnosed conditions and incomplete service personnel records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other specified trauma, was dismissed due to untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement. The claim for tinnitus was granted. The claims for thyroid disability and migraine disability are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for his service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with depression). The issue of secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and lumbar strain with scoliosis, render him unable to secure or maintain a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and effective dates in the AMA system due to procedural defects. The issues remain pending in the legacy review system.

The Veteran's service-connected persistent depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds this rating insufficient to grant a higher initial rating. The evidence does not support total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating may be warranted. The issue of SMC based on need for aid and attendance is also remanded due to the Veteran's testimony indicating he requires regular assistance from his mother.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder, has been dismissed as the appeal is based on a full award of benefits in April 2022.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, headaches, and a sleep disorder. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.