Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's initial 50 percent rating for unspecified depressive disorder (previously rated as acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression) is granted prior to August 8, 2016. The increased rating claim for the same condition from August 8, 2016, and thereafter, is denied.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder not otherwise specified with persistent depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to May 23, 2017 and denied for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and migraine headaches have been reopened, and the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The initial compensable rating for head scar is denied, but a remand is ordered for further evaluation of the right foot disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, NOS, due to a lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressors occurred. The diagnoses of PTSD are not considered probative as they rely on unsubstantiated claims of combat service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and left ear hearing loss, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder NOS) is remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran was insane at the time of misconduct leading to his bad conduct discharge, thus removing any statutory or regulatory bar to VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to failure to appear for VA examinations. The case is returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining examinations and medical opinions as requested.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete military records and a need for a medical opinion regarding the appellant's mental state at the time of discharge. The appeal is not about service connection but rather the character of the appellant's discharge.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including nicotine dependence, asbestos exposure, and psychiatric disorders. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated during her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and gambling disorder, are sufficient to render him unemployable without regard to his age or any nonservice-connected disorders. The Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and chronic major depression, is granted as service connected due to the continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to address the etiology of his diagnosed bipolar disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death and for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that both conditions are related to his active duty service. The decision also denied service connection for a heart disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether his current acquired psychiatric disorder and cervical spine disability are related to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected testicular injury, and he is awarded special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ due to erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the record and a need for further review by the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder rendered him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful course of employment prior to December 6, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his service.