Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's asthma is rated at 30 percent, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression with anxious distress) other than PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, due to chronic pain syndrome associated with his service-connected right and left foot, left ankle, and lumbosacral spine disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine disability, lumbosacral spine disability, headaches, depression, and penis disability (ED) due to inadequate development. The claims are being returned for further examination and consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors and concluded that bipolar disorder is not etiologically related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is related to his service. The examiner must consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding racism during service and his reported experiences at Dachau.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and residuals of irregular menstrual cycle due to new evidence. However, these claims are remanded as further medical examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety/depression). The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his right ankle symptoms and the need for a VA medical opinion on whether his current right ankle disorder is related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety state, depression, and insomnia. The evidence does not establish a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for depressive disorder and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) by reason of being housebound is remanded due to the VA representative not receiving notification letters, SOC, SSOCs, and docketing letters at their last known address.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information about the Veteran's current diagnoses and their relation to service. A VA psychiatric examination is needed to clarify these issues.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent for the entire appeal period. The Board also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition and for revision of a November 1991 rating decision denying service connection for asthma based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The claims are to be readjudicated, including addressing whether his acquired psychiatric condition is caused or aggravated by his service-connected asthma.

The Board denied the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, finding that there was no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD and concluding that any current psychiatric conditions are not related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of uterine fibroids, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety) have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence or medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient information on the occupational impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. Additional development is needed, including obtaining updated treatment records and opinions from a clinician regarding the impact of her conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a major depressive disorder and claimed as secondary to service-connected vasovagal syncope with asystole status post pacemaker. The case is now back before the Board due to need for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to July 24, 2014, and in excess of 70 percent on and after July 24, 2014, for service-connected depressive disorder was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's appeal for a 100 percent rating due to persistent suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting his ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively, and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances was also denied. The Board found that these symptoms were more consistent with a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board finds that there are still open medical questions regarding diagnosis and etiology. The appeals are remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's acquired mental disorder, including PDD, is rated at 50 percent for the period prior to June 28, 2019. The Board found that his symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.