Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, has been reopened. However, the Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine if there is a nexus between the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and his active service or service-connected Hepatitis C.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive and anxiety disorders, based on the Veteran's in-service experiences and current diagnoses.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70% rating effective July 25, 2017. The other conditions have had their ratings adjusted or granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (anxiety and depression), and PTSD due to issues with verifying the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's GERD and her service-connected depressive disorder, as well as whether obesity is related to any of her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and verification of in-service stressors. The claim has been reopened due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected.,His major depressive disorder is also granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. ,However, the Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical opinions and notification regarding personal assault claims. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, are being evaluated further.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and MDD due to insufficient evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran will be afforded a VA examination to address this issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating for the period prior to June 5, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining employment information from the United States Postal Service.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and MDD is granted. The case of sleep apnea and TDIU are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to July 6, 2017 due to insufficient evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is reopened. The case is remanded due to the need for a VA opinion regarding the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder has been granted. The claims for service connection for back condition and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the increased ratings for right knee conditions, are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has found new and material evidence to support reopening of his hearing loss and tinnitus claims. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression), right hand/finger disability, left hand/finger disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and back disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The examiner is asked to provide opinions on whether any diagnosed conditions are related to service or verified stressors.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are granted, but the claim for service connection of the psychiatric disorders is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The claim for TDIU is moot as her PTSD alone does not prevent her from following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence. The AOJ will review this evidence and readjudicate the claims.