Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability in many cases, or an in-service event that is related to the claimed conditions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a heart condition and anxiety-depression, but denied them on their merits. The case is remanded to consider these issues again.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for PTSD with depression and alcohol use disorder is being remanded due to outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since October 1, 2013. The Board finds that a higher evaluation is warranted due to the worsening of her symptoms and schedules her for a VA examination.

The Veteran's MDD resulted in significant social and occupational impairment prior to November 14, 2019. The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and for a compensable rating for his service-connected skin disability due to insufficient development of evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and PTSD. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and a need for further consideration of the Veteran's claim, including obtaining records from his reported hospitalization during service.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for PTSD or other mental illness, including dysthymic/depressive disorder due to inadequate February 2014 VA examination and medical opinion. The Veteran is required to be provided a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of a claimed in-service stressor and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's previously denied claims for PTSD and MDD are reopened, but the Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder was denied, as were his claims for an earlier effective date. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to the Veteran's symptoms being within the range considered by the current 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus and migraines have been granted service connection.,Service connection for migraines has also been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had a current disability of migraines that started in service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for depressive disorder prior to February 11, 2014 has been dismissed because the Veteran passed away during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hyperlipidemia was dismissed. The claims of service connection for left and right ankle conditions, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, obesity, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depressive disorder, eating disorder, and sleeping disturbances), right knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, right hip pain, left hip pain, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and neuropathy of the right lower extremity have been reopened.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a substance-induced mood disorder, depression, and anxiety as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional development. The claims include low back disability, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, acquired psychiatric condition (major depressive disorder and PTSD), and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild, with anxious distress is granted as secondary to a service-connected right wrist disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding service connection for a lumbar spine disorder. The Board finds the previous VA opinions inadequate and requires an updated opinion that considers the Veteran's lay statements about his in-service activities.

The Board has granted a 100% rating for the Veteran's service-connected depression beginning June 15, 2017. Prior to that date, the Veteran was denied an increased rating.