Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim of service connection for neurobehavioral effects, including depression and anxiety, is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. The case requires a new VA examination to determine if the conditions are related to Camp Lejeune water exposure.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for a Right Shoulder Disorder, but the issue of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for failure to treat a ruptured right rotator cuff remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance and/or due to being housebound, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and inextricably intertwined issues. The claims include an acquired psychiatric disorder, hiatal hernia, gastrointestinal condition, and acid reflux.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and/or private treatment records and providing an addendum to the February 2020 medical examination report.

The Veteran's service connection for unspecified depressive disorder was granted effective July 20, 2017. The higher initial rating of 50 percent for the depression has been denied. An increased disability rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine, retrolisthesis with vertebral wedging, and a separate compensable rating for right knee instability have also been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, major depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder with mixed emotions (depression/anxiety), finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy, as well as TDIU. A new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has decided that service connection for hearing loss is denied. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, alcohol abuse, and strokes are remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of additional VA medical records. The issues on appeal include increased ratings for persistent depressive disorder, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and a higher evaluation have been withdrawn by his representative. The Board has dismissed these issues as the appeal was withdrawn before any decision could be made.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and readjudication due to procedural errors, lack of proper examinations, and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for major depressive disorder has been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has remanded the cases of PTSD, glaucoma, and hypertensive retinopathy due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities are currently diagnosed as major neurocognitive disorder, chronic PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and unspecified depressive disorder.

The Board has denied the claim of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as secondary to a service-connected lumbar vertebra fracture, based on lack of medical evidence supporting a causal relationship.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his military service.

The Veteran's polycystic liver disease and acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder NOS) are granted. The case is remanded for further development regarding service connection for a traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, and TDIU prior to January 1, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and unspecified depressive disorder was denied. The Board found that her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they were consistent with a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board dismissed the claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for unspecified depressive disorder because the Veteran did not file a notice of disagreement (NOD) on this issue.

The Veteran's appeal does not involve service connection for a psychiatric disability, right inguinal hernia, testicular pain and swelling, or RLE radiculopathy.,The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for these conditions.