Depression decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as major depressive disorder and schizoaffective disorder, depressive type, as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The claim for a higher rating for GERD with Barrett's esophagus is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of in-service stressors and incomplete VA examination. The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is pending, as well as a determination on whether any other acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an entrance examination, which is needed for a proper determination of service connection. The Veteran's current psychiatric disability must be evaluated by a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed due to his death. No service connection was established or denied.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder due to a known medical condition (his service-connected heart disability) is granted as secondary.,The Veteran's balance issues are granted as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to in-service traumatic experiences. VA examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder, depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder are rated at 70 percent for the period on appeal. The Board also granted TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities prior to August 30, 2013.

The Board is remanding the matter to obtain treatment records from a Vet Center in Pikesville/Baltimore, Maryland for consideration regarding an earlier effective date for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder is remanded due to incomplete medical records from The River Mental Center and Trinity Hospital.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression and memory loss) due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the condition and active service. The numbness residual from oral and maxillofacial surgery is remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an initial rating of 70 percent for depressive disorder, a remand for service connection for sleep apnea, and TDIU are all pending. The decision on these issues is deferred until further evidence can be obtained.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depression disorder and anxiety, is rated at 50 percent since April 28, 2015.,Prior to June 13, 2023, the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was rated at 30 percent. After that date, it has been rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back condition and major depressive disorder, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active-duty service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding his ability to perform daily activities.

The Veteran's appeal for PTSD is dismissed. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral foot disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is now granted, making the issue moot and dismissed. The case is remanded to provide a VA examination to determine if fibromyalgia is related to the service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The Veteran's claims will be further evaluated with a focus on verifying in-service stressors and diagnosing any current psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate consideration of a potential stressor and failure to address relevant medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is being returned for further development.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected acquired psychiatric disabilities as it was not properly before the Board due to the finality of the September 2019 decision.