Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected muscle strain of upper, left trapezius is granted with a 10 percent evaluation effective September 13, 1999. The Veteran's MDD and TMJ dysfunction are also granted with respective evaluations.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and cannabis use disorder is rated at 70 percent effective March 5, 2018.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service-connected. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and pigmentary retinal dystrophy are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inconsistencies in the VA examiner's statements regarding his diagnoses of Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, as well as whether these conditions are related to service-connected PTSD. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a May 10, 2020, Mental Health Outpatient Treatment Plan and arrange for a VA examination to address the above issues.

The Veteran's PTSD and headaches are rated at 70 percent from September 9, 2019, to October 26, 2022. The Veteran is granted a rating of 50 percent for his headaches and 30 percent for his dizziness. Service connection for hypertension is established as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's increased ratings for migraine headaches and persistent depressive disorder are denied as their symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient reasons and bases for denying the Veteran's claim, specifically regarding her PTSD diagnosis and MST allegations. The case will be returned to the RO for further examination and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's unspecified adjustment disorder, finding that it is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional VA examinations to determine if the Veteran's heart disability, hypertension, and major depressive disorder are related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and PTSD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current symptoms and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence received, allowing for a reevaluation of service connection claims. The Veteran's claim for depression is reopened, but further examination and opinion are needed to determine if his current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and TBI have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since August 7, 2020. He is now eligible for SMC based on a single total disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development related to his claims of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and an eye disorder.,Specifically, the Veteran needs a VA examination closer to his residence to address his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Additionally, his claim for service connection for presbyopia with photophobia is remanded as no medical opinion has addressed whether he currently suffers from blindness in both eyes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for depressive disorder, hypertension, and a low back disability. The claim for bilateral knee disability was also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including unspecified depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, are granted service connection. His right ankle disorder is denied as not caused by his service-connected left ankle disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete medical records and need for new examinations. The issues include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, rating increases for knee disabilities, and a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder, has been reopened. The case is being remanded to allow the AOJ to consider all new evidence since the November 2019 Statement of the Case was issued.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is at least as likely as not related to his active service, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD and left ear hearing loss, but granted service connection for anxiety and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as he has maintained employment during the appeal period and his disabilities have allowed him to contribute positively through volunteer work.