Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim to reopen the service connection for hypertension has been granted. The claims for service connection of asthma and an acquired psychiatric disability are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected PTSD, depression, and panic disorder with agoraphobia. The evidence did not show that these conditions alone rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate and total disability rating based on individual unemployability were denied. The decision found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's basic eligibility for Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits was established on March 26, 2012, when he received a TDIU rating. The Board found that the effective date could not precede this date due to the permanent and total disability requirement.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and major depressive disorder. The claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded, and the TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and/or private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart condition, and a scar from heart surgery are inextricably intertwined due to the overlap between PTSD and the other conditions. As such, these issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA medical records, new examinations, and additional information regarding his employment.

Your appeal has been dismissed because the Veteran passed away during the pendency of your claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance because there was no evidence that his service-connected disabilities rendered him bedridden or helpless to the extent he needed regular assistance.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an equipment purchase of an adjustable king or queen size bed and ergonomic chair through the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program, finding that such purchases were not necessary to achieve his independent living goal.

The Board denied service connection for depression, finding no current diagnosis and insufficient evidence linking the condition to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with scheduling VA examinations and notification. The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining casualty reports from an appropriate service department.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric condition and that his symptoms do not meet the criteria for any form of mood disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are also granted as service connected.

The Veteran's attorney is seeking a different calculation for past-due benefits awarded in the December 2018 rating decision. The case needs to be remanded to ensure full compliance with contested claims procedures and provide the Veteran and his attorney with the contents of their respective submissions.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal except for the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.,The appellant withdrew her appeals regarding bilateral great toe and ankle disabilities, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, arterial reconstruction of the left lower extremity, and depression.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to service or superimposed upon a personality disorder. The Veteran's personality disorders are considered defects and cannot be service connected, but his acquired psychiatric disorders may provide a basis for service connection if they are superimposed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for GERD, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and TDIU due to unemployability.