Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for depressive disorder with depressive-like features before a decision was made.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with anxious distress disability is found to render her unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a total disability based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, is remanded due to inadequate examination and duty to assist error.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective October 10, 2023. The decision also grants a TDIU for the same period.

The Veteran's service connection for CAD/ischemic heart/bypass, diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction and hypertension, scar measuring 38.0 x 0.1cm, diabetic nephropathy, and major depressive disorder has been granted effective October 8, 2016.,An earlier effective date is not warranted as the Veteran did not file a claim prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and service connection due to errors in the original decision, including inadequate examinations and incomplete records. The Veteran's sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service or being related to a service-connected disability. Service connection for PTSD and depression is also remanded for further review.

Your service connection for PTSD has been granted with a 70% disability rating, making your claim for treatment under Chapter 17 moot due to the change in your character of discharge from other than honorable to under honorable conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to Major Depressive Disorder. The TDIU issue is pending readjudication.

The reduction in rating from 70% to 50% for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder was improper and the original 70% rating is restored. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for a TDIU, granted effective as of February 21, 2022.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand requests and has therefore remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a disability manifested by sleep impairment, to include depressive disorder, as secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death is not related to his service-connected conditions and is remanding for further development.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to February 2, 2023. The appeal for a higher rating has been granted.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection claim for PTSD was granted. The case is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination and review of the Veteran's stressor allegations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions, specifically PTSD and anxiety.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected right hip strain, GERD/acid reflux disease, asthma, and acquired psychiatric condition due to changes in symptoms since previous examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with these increased rating claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate rationale for a VA opinion on persistent depressive disorder. The Veteran's claim is now pending again with the expectation of obtaining new evidence or information.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's current diagnoses include borderline personality disorder, which may also include an adjustment disorder.