Depression decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to higher ratings for major depressive disorder and back disability, as well as service connection for erectile dysfunction and urinary frequency. The Veteran's claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, major depressive disorder, and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment due to his psychiatric disabilities. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and MDD, but the claims for headaches, lower back condition, and seizure disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of analysis based on proper legal principles, specifically regarding the presumption of soundness upon entry into service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depression, as well as his claim for service connection for a back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of these conditions during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder was granted effective August 30, 2017. The earlier effective date request is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected persistent depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder and stimulant use disorder is rated at 100 percent, the maximum disability rating. The appeal for a TDIU prior to February 11, 2018, is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100 percent rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case is remanded for further development and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any of the claimed conditions, including bilateral eye disability, vertigo, depression, anxiety, lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.,The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's in-service complaints or symptoms and his current disabilities.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 70% from July 16, 2018 onwards. The prostatitis claim was denied as the condition does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MST, and major depressive disorder with memory loss. The decision finds that it is at least as likely as not that her symptoms are related to her service, particularly her sexual assault during AIT training.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The examiner will assess whether the condition is related to service or secondary to his service-connected right inguinal hernia with surgical scar.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder, was manifested by decreased work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress or symptomatology controlled by continuous medication prior to July 30, 2018. As of July 30, 2018, the Veteran's psychiatric condition resulted in reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for tinnitus and service connection for hearing loss have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for headaches has been granted, but his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) secondary to headaches has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression caused a need for regular aid and attendance of another person from November 21, 2003 to June 1, 2010. The Board granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU being granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and an eating disorder. The case is REMANDED to obtain outstanding VA treatment records, identify any claimed in-service stressors, and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of all evidence in his file.