Depression Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for schizophrenia with paranoia and a rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder, as well as the claim for TDIU prior to December 31, 2017. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or an effective date earlier than June 11, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including unspecified anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, are related to his active-duty service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is causally related to her active military service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's anxiety with depression, tinnitus, and headache disability are all granted service connection. The right hand and left hand disabilities remain pending.

The Veteran's initial rating for unspecified anxiety disorder with unspecified depressive disorder and cannabis use disorder was granted at a 70 percent prior to August 16, 2018. A 100 percent rating was granted from August 16, 2018. The Veteran also received an award of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to December 15, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for further examination. The current rating for depressive disorder with mixed features and anxiety disorder with traumatic brain injury is denied as not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for depression, headaches, and sleep apnea were denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for hemorrhoids was reopened based on new evidence, but the Board found no clear and unmistakable evidence that it preexisted service.,The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted as his symptoms are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims of service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, headaches, a psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and depression), and erectile dysfunction.,Entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional records from the Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's current erectile dysfunction is granted compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, as it was caused by an event not reasonably foreseeable resulting from VA-prescribed trazodone. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities not rendering him helpless.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of June 27, 2015. The Board granted his claim for TDIU based on this.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his psychiatric diagnoses and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's death was caused by acute myocardial infarction, which the Board found to be related to his service-connected PTSD and other psychiatric conditions. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not characterized by a penile deformity, resulting in no higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.,His depressive disorder has been rated as 30 percent disabling throughout the appeal period and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to its symptoms being less severe than those required for a 50 percent or higher rating.,The reduction of the prostate cancer evaluation from 100% to 40% effective October 1, 2016 was proper as there is evidence showing remission of the condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate examinations for his service-connected persistent depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board requires a new examination to assess the severity of his persistent depressive disorder, determine if it caused or aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea, and whether he became obese due to his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for anxiety and depression due to a lack of a VA examination or medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and panic disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's active military service and a positive medical opinion linking his current conditions to his time in the Navy.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety. The remaining issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, chronic renal insufficiency, and cause of death are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic attacks, MDD, and alcohol dependence resulted in a total occupational and social impairment for the period from June 9, 2017 to November 18, 2019. The grant of TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, gout/left great toe degenerative arthritis, asthma, and skin disability were denied service connection as there was no evidence of a nexus to his military service.