Depression decisions — 2023

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with a depressive disorder, finding that there is an approximate balance of evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to his in-service stressor. The Veteran was stationed aboard USS Lexington when a plane crash occurred.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for back disability, service connection for depression as secondary to back disability, and TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. A VA examination is needed to address these matters.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a preexisting condition worsening during service or any other link to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for specific phobia-situational (crowds/enclosed spaces), and unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 100 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his service-connected left shoulder disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for Goodpasture syndrome, fatigue disorder, fibromyalgia, chronic skin rashes, and depressive disorder due to exposure in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as major depressive disorder, is granted service connection. The Board also remanded several issues related to secondary service connection for bilateral nerve damage condition of lower extremities, traumatic brain injury, bilateral nerve damage condition of hands, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is related to his active service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, based on evidence of an in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of depressive disorder, and service connection for lower extremity neurological disorders are remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected depressive disorder (also claimed as PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders and a sleep disorder secondary to her service-connected left hip disability need further development. The Veteran is required to provide information about her treatment providers and attend VA examinations.

The Veteran's headaches have been rated as 30 percent since February 1, 2018. The Board has found that the Veteran's headaches are characterized by prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for her foot conditions and acquired psychiatric condition. She also seeks an increased rating for her headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to outstanding VA treatment records and incomplete STRs. The issues of tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, hypertensive heart disease with LVH and mild diastolic dysfunction, major depressive disorder, sleep apnea, and retinal holes with lattice degeneration are all remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen her claim of service connection for PTSD. The case is remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for PTSD and whether the Veteran's major depression is related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of head injury, psychiatric disorder (depression and anxiety), and bilateral eye disability were denied as there was no valid DSM-5 diagnosis during the appeal period or approximate thereto. The Veteran had a history of congenital strabismus and strabismic amblyopia that preexisted service.

The Veteran's MDD with anxious distress and stimulant use disorder in remission is granted at a 100% evaluation after February 3, 2021. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 70% prior to February 3, 2021 is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder meets the schedular threshold for a TDIU, but further clarification is needed regarding the functional impairment attributable to this condition versus other non-service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a completed VA Form 21-8940 and updated VA treatment records. The issue will be readjudicated after these are obtained.