Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically major depressive disorder with anxious stress (psychiatric disability), is rated at 50 percent and the Board has remanded both his claim for a higher rating and his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for adjudication of the Veteran's appeal, as they failed to address evidence favorable to the Veteran and/or were based on inaccurate facts or on the lack of contemporary medical treatment records. The appeal is remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's single service-connected disability of major depressive disorder alone rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment. The examiner is required to provide a rationale for their conclusion and address the effects of his nonservice-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination, and he is not currently diagnosed with PTSD. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's MDD was granted a 70 percent disability rating for the period from January 19, 2015 to January 28, 2017. The claim for a TDIU prior to February 28, 2017 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety and depression, left ankle condition, PTSD, and TBI were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus to service.,There is no credible supporting evidence that the Veteran experienced any in-service stressors related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression), and headaches have been reopened. However, the evidence does not support these claims as his conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder rating was reduced from 70% to 50%, effective September 1, 2018. The Board has now restored the 70% rating based on evidence showing that there has not been material improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70% rating effective January 1, 2020. A TDIU and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits are also granted from July 22, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have resulted in a total occupational and social impairment for the period from November 26, 2013 to May 16, 2017, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claim due to issues with notification and scheduling of a VA examination, and requests additional information from the Veteran regarding his psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected anxiety and depressive disorders (now claimed as PTSD) was denied. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence in the previous decision.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder effective February 6, 2017. The issue of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss, results in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency. The Board denied an increased rating for the appeal period prior to December 8, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service, and whether any acquired psychiatric disorders are superimposed upon personality disorders as a result of service. The Veteran's lay statements and treatment records indicate he experienced distressing memories and symptoms during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and depression, is being reviewed with a focus on verifying in-service stressors and determining the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a temporary total disability rating due to PTSD, hepatitis C, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are inextricably intertwined with his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. Therefore, these claims must be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for memory loss, muscle and joint pain (back, neck, left shoulder), fatigue, and skin symptoms are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.,Specifically, a VA examiner is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD and diagnosed as unspecified depressive disorder and anxiety is denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD for VA compensation purposes and his acquired psychiatric disability did not originate in service or within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's appeal seeking a rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder impingement syndrome is dismissed.,For the period prior to October 31, 2017 and from April 1, 2019 to March 22, 2022, an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder with anxious distress (acquired psychiatric disorder) is denied.,For the period from October 31, 2017 to April 1, 2019, a 50 percent rating for acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.,For the period from March 28, 2019, an initial 20 percent rating for lumbar spine condition is granted.,A separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted from March 17, 2022.,The Veteran's appeals regarding entitlement to service connection for a left knee condition, right shoulder condition, and TDIU are remanded.