Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's initial increased disability ratings for tinnitus, right knee strain, and left ankle neuropathy were denied. The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and marijuana use was also denied an increase in rating.,Issues related to service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and TDIU were remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) as his combined schedular rating of 100% rendered the TDIU appeal moot. The Board also dismissed other issues related to increased ratings for PTSD, Crohn's Disease, and associated conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and unverified stressors for PTSD. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, are still under review.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection for chronic bronchitis and restrictive lung disease due to a grant of service connection under the PACT Act. The appeal for PTSD and adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability (major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder) was denied. The Board found that the severity of his symptoms did not warrant a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for major depressive disorder was granted, and he is now entitled to a disability rating. The effective date for this grant is not specified.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for major depressive disorder is granted. The claim for costochondritis is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran is also facing a TDIU claim that is being remanded as well.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's neurocognitive impairment and depression, which are secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the RO has not provided sufficient evidence to determine his eligibility for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The case requires further development, including verifying his employment status and obtaining a functional impairments assessment.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate, and thus remanded for further evaluation of service connection claims related to an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, bruxism, and gastrointestinal disorders.

The Veteran's increased ratings for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are denied, while the issue of increased rating for Thoracolumbar Muscle Strain (Lumbar Spine Disability) is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted, and the case is remanded for further action regarding TDIU.

The Board has granted a TDIU for the period from December 7, 2012, to August 21, 2016, and established basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance Benefits for the same period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and restless leg syndrome are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding etiology.

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to February 13, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities. On or after February 13, 2015, the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has found that a new VA examination is needed for the Veteran's lichen planus, and remands his claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, migraines, and seizures as secondary to his service-connected lichen planus. The Veteran was not provided with adequate examinations or opinions regarding these issues.

The Board has granted a TDIU for the years of 2000 and 2002, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities (major depressive disorder, left tibial fracture, right tibia fracture, right lower extremity strain, and left lowr extremity strain) preclude her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his persistent depressive disorder was dismissed as the appellant requested to withdraw the appeal.