Depression Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for anxiety disorder, high blood pressure, MDD, GAD, insomnia disorder, and alcohol abuse disorder. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are found to be related to his active duty service in the Army National Guard, with a period of ACDUTRA in June 1981. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and a need for further development regarding the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric conditions, including general anxiety disorder, anxiety not otherwise specified (NOS), and depression.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete or inaccurate information regarding his reported in-service stressors, and for a VA opinion on whether he has PTSD that is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. A new examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD has been granted. The Board found that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected Bell's palsy and major depressive disorder do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability level for the period prior to April 3, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been denied as there was no prior claim or intent to file a claim before December 12, 2015.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder is remanded due to new evidence indicating worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from January 30, 2018, to April 2, 2020.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation, including a specialized examination to determine if the Veteran's Parkinson's disease is related to toxic exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, is granted. The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left leg disability and left toe/foot condition are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to her failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations. The Board finds good cause and will schedule another examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for depression and anxiety. The Veteran's claims are not related to his military service.

The Board has dismissed the claim for right sided sciatica and granted reopening of previously denied claims for bilateral knee conditions, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The issues of service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back injury and an increased evaluation for major depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse, are not related to his service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.,His back and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, GAD, and Depression.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been granted a TDIU effective October 22, 2015. The Board denied ratings in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to that date and denied a rating in excess of 70 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to a raised issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status. The Veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC at level S, but may still qualify for SMC if he is permanently housebound.