Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is being remanded for further examination and consideration, as the current ratings do not reflect the severity of his condition over the course of the appeal. The TDIU issue is also being remanded due to inextricably intertwined nature with the increased rating issue.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and MDD was reopened due to new evidence of a verified in-service stressor. Service connection for both conditions is now granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active service and granted service connection for this condition. The remaining issues have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the cases of right shoulder disorder, acquired psychiatric disorders (including PTSD), and respiratory condition are remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents (PACT Act, Agent Orange/Camp Lejeune) for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent and to a disability evaluation in excess of 70 percent from February 1, 2019, for service-connected PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder has been withdrawn. The Board also remanded several other issues including service connection claims for skin cancer and residuals, sleep apnea, vision disability, acid reflux, shin splints, right upper extremity ulnar nerve neuropathy, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis (now diagnosed as left shoulder strain), TDIU, and SMC.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression, anxiety disorder and PTSD-like symptoms was granted with an effective date of September 22, 2009. The Veteran also received a grant of TDIU (Total Disability Rating Based on Unemployability) with the same effective date.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, Antisocial Personality Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder. The Veteran was diagnosed with unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder which is now service connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, lower back disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence from previous VA examinations. The case will be returned for further review.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. The issues are being remanded due to obesity caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU prior to August 25, 2020 was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to a previous decision improperly relying on an examiner's opinion that did not consider the Veteran's statements about in-service symptoms and post-service diagnosis. The Veteran is advised to provide updated medical records and undergo a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability, effective February 4, 2009.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for a recurrent left knee disability, nasal disability, and psychiatric disability due to additional relevant VA examination and clinical documentation being incorporated into the record.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, depressive disorder, and agoraphobia) based on in-service noise exposure and symptoms that have persisted since service separation.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease, depressive disorder with mild neurocognitive disorder, urinary problems, loss of sense of smell, loss of sense of taste, and constipation have been granted effective from April 29, 2016.,An initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction has also been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of records, including private treatment records. The Veteran's service-connected depression NOS is being evaluated again.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, should be remanded for further examination to address inconsistencies in previous evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, achilles tendonitis, and a bilateral leg disability due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran is also requested to provide more details about his in-service stressors.