Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for additional VA treatment records. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and a behavioral and/or cognitive condition, are being evaluated.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in a previous opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and schizophrenia, is related to service. The examiner must provide an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent prior to June 29, 2020 and denied for a higher rating thereafter.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress, finding that new evidence supports her claim and considering her military service as a contributing factor to her current mental health condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, is rated at 50 percent from July 2, 2010. The Board found the evidence does not support higher ratings.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The appeal of service connection for a heart disability and psychiatric disability is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder) as these conditions are deemed to have been incurred during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of 70% or 100% for his major depressive disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment, thus denying a higher rating. The case is remanded for consideration of TDIU.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right ankle disability, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and unaddressed in-service stressors. Further development is needed before service connection can be determined.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examinations regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims are related to his service and potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as there is no longer a controversy regarding the benefits sought on appeal, as the AOJ has already granted the claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and additional development is needed. The issues include neck, left knee, right shoulder, right knee, bilateral foot disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder and a sleep disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and VA medical treatment due to outstanding records, including reserve service records and VA/privately obtained treatment records. A VA examination is needed to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric conditions are related to active duty.

The application to reopen the claims of service connection for kidney disease and psychiatric disorder is denied. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's rating for major depressive disorder was reduced from 70% to 30%, effective January 28, 2020. The Board found that the reduction was improper due to lack of compliance with regulations and restored the original 70% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will consider whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service or her service-connected breast disability.

The Veteran's attorney requested to withdraw the appeal for a past-due benefits issue, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from October 10, 2019 due to his service-connected disabilities. Prior to this date, the evidence did not show he could secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right knee condition and an extension of special monthly compensation benefits based on housebound criteria are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and information.