Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD and depression, is granted service connection. The thrombosis, poor circulation, and edema are denied due to lack of a causal relationship with service.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression symptoms have been rated at 50 percent since April 28, 2017. The Board finds the evidence is approximately balanced as to whether her symptoms more closely approximate a 50 percent rating during this period.

The Veteran's application to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for depression is granted. The Board also remands the issues of rating for left knee disability, service connection for right knee condition, and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings were dismissed. The Board also granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left ankle disability was withdrawn. The initial 70 percent rating for depressive disorder prior to April 6, 2021 is granted.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of depressive disorder since April 6, 2021 remains on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include anxiety, depression and specific phobia disorder. The decision also addressed eligibility for VA health care benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 17 and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition (including depressive disorder with memory loss as secondary to medication for service-connected disabilities) and dismissed the claim of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the claims due to deficiencies in prior examinations, and further review is needed for accurate evaluations of disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 21, 2016 to April 26, 2021. From April 26, 2021, the issue of entitlement to TDIU is moot as he is already in receipt of a combined schedular evaluation of 100 percent.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for headaches is granted. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disability claimed as a sleep disorder including as secondary to his service-connected lumbar and/or cervical spine disorders.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, stomach disability, and heart disability are all found to be secondary to his service-connected lymphoma.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD has been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his unspecified depressive disorder has also been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, left shoulder, right shoulder, left wrist, and right wrist disorders are remanded due to the need for additional development of his treatment records from Community Care providers.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot and right foot disorders are remanded due to the need for an adequate opinion addressing whether these disabilities are related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder, including sleep apnea, is remanded due to the need for an adequate opinion addressing whether this disability is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and head injury (claimed as CTE) are remanded due to the need for an adequate opinion addressing whether these disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder. The VA will provide a new examination to assess the severity of his low back disability, and an addendum opinion on whether he has a currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder related to service or secondary to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection, as they require further development and consideration of additional medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further action, including obtaining relevant private treatment records and updating the Veteran's employment history.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent her from attending to the needs of nature, caring for herself, or protecting herself from the hazards of her environment. The Board has determined that she is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and likely etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress. The Veteran's service records suggest a possible onset during service or related to a back injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions, including whether they are related to his in-service right third toe exostosis and/or any other service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The claim for a higher rating in excess of 70 percent from March 7, 2018, remains pending.