Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to non-service-connected conditions such as obesity and amputation.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic attacks, recurrent major depressive disorder, and insomnia disorder is currently rated at 70 percent since March 6, 2017. The Board has granted a higher initial disability rating for this condition.

The Veteran's initial claim for headaches and PTSD with persistent depressive disorder was denied, but a higher rating of 50 percent was granted for the latter condition prior to September 28, 2018.,For the period from September 28, 2018, onwards, the Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, primary open-angle glaucoma, and sleep apnea. The issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and a thyroid disability are also remanded due to lack of medical nexus opinions. The TDIU issue remains inextricably intertwined with these other issues.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric condition, claimed as combat stress anxiety disorder, is being remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the presence of a current psychiatric condition. The AOJ must schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine his exact diagnosis and etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination addressing the service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements suggest in-service events may have contributed to his current psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's unspecified depression with anxious distress is rated at 50 percent, but the Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of this rating. The issue of entitlement to TDIU was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, but denied service connection for TBI. The decision supports the claim for depression based on in-service mental health complaints and subsequent diagnosis. Service connection for TBI is denied due to lack of evidence showing active duty or training status at the time of injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been reopened. His claim is granted. The rating for his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with IVDS in excess of 10 percent prior to August 14, 2018, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) and a compensable disability rating for fracture residuals of the right little finger. The decision found no current diagnosis of PTSD or other psychiatric disorders, and that the Veteran’s fractures did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence addressing the nature, etiology, and onset of his psychiatric conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including a VA mental health evaluation to assess the Veteran's depression and headache disorder. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) and increased rating for headaches are also on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression with anxiety and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from July 1, 2009 to October 14, 2015. The Board granted a TDIU for this period.

The Board has remanded the cases of hepatitis C, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD), and diabetes mellitus due to potential service connection issues. Specifically, it is unclear if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents while serving aboard the U.S.S. Fresno in Vietnam waters.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, left ankle condition, bilateral knee condition, lower back condition, and headaches is denied as there are no new or material evidence to reopen the claims. The current rating for PTSD already covers her anxiety and depression symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasoning in the previous decision, specifically failing to address the Veteran's claim for a psychiatric disability secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD due to a verified in-service stressor. The claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the condition had its onset during service or is otherwise etiologically related.

The Board denied service connection for diverticulitis and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include anxiety disorder with depression disorder and unspecified dementia.,There is no current diagnosis of diverticulitis. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include anxiety disorder with depression disorder and unspecified dementia, is not related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an initial compensable disability rating for TBI, service connection for headaches, and service connection for acquired psychiatric disability including major depressive disorder and PTSD. The Veteran needs a new examination to assess the current severity of his TBI and whether any headache or psychiatric disabilities are proximately caused by TBI.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, anxiety, and schizoaffective disorder, depressive type due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of his psychiatric conditions during active duty.