Depression Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and a need for an updated medical opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for pleural disease and major depressive disorder were denied as his disability ratings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 10, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his left ankle/foot disability, skin rash, and right eye condition. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left ankle/foot disability, a skin rash, and a right eye condition are all being remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings of service-connected migraines and PTSD with MDD, opioid use disorder, and TBI residuals because the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition (depression) and substance abuse are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

Service connection for residuals of a left foot injury is denied.,An initial rating higher than 10 percent for hypothyroidism is denied.,A rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder is denied.,An effective date prior to June 10, 2010 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), including referral for extraschedular consideration, is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including MDD and PTSD, is related to his active service. Therefore, service connection for a psychiatric disability is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including panic disorder and major depressive disorder, are found to be related to service. The Board granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anemia and depression have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and malaria have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since August 24, 2004.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability due to full benefit being granted. The increased rating claims for major depression and bilateral flatfoot prior to February 13, 2020 were denied, while a TDIU was granted effective August 28, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected gouty arthritis and major depressive disorder have resulted in eligibility for specially adapted housing, but not for a special home adaptation grant or financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment. The Board found that the Veteran has loss of use of his lower extremities due to his service-connected gouty arthritis.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective from the date of this decision. The other issues are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional opinions regarding the Veteran's erectile dysfunction, need for regular aid and attendance, and TDIU claim.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disorder, left-ankle disorder, TBI, unspecified ear disorder, and sleep disorder. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).,Service connection was not established for any of the claimed conditions.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headache disability and acquired psychiatric disability (including MDD) are being remanded due to issues with obtaining medical records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA medical opinion addressing both causation and aggravation of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, as it is claimed to be secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.