Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's dementia is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. He is also granted SMC based on aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which require him to be in need of regular assistance. The Veteran is also eligible for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric condition, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress, opioid and cocaine use disorder, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, depression, and other acquired psychiatric disorders related to in-service personal assault.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, needs to be remanded due to incomplete in-service records and the need for a supplemental VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating of 70 percent, but not higher, prior to November 3, 2016, for major depressive disorder has been granted. The appeal regarding entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as of November 3, 2016, is remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, schizoaffective disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, panic disorder with agoraphobia, paranoid delusional disorder, psychotic disorder NOS, and anxiety disorder NOS. The decision is based on the evidence showing that these conditions began during service and are related to his combat-related stressors.

The Board has decided to remand the severance of service connection for several conditions due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's earlier period of service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for additional mental health records, including SSA records. The Veteran's claim for PTSD related to military sexual trauma (MST) is reopened based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's stroke residuals are etiologically related to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder not otherwise specified, and anxiety disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service stressors or a current diagnosis of PTSD. The other diagnosed conditions were found to be unrelated to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, chondromalacia patellar with arthritis, and tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since March 20, 2018.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, OSA, and erectile dysfunction are granted. The claim for a higher rating for bilateral tinnitus is denied as it must be dismissed as a matter of law.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear cause of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder and incomplete medical records. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if his anxiety and depression are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, consideration of post-service treatment records, and obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's current mental health conditions are related to his military service. The stressor of witnessing a friend commit suicide by jumping overboard during service is considered sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for Major Depressive Disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues, including failure to provide a VA examination and scheduling issues related to the Veteran's incarceration.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran's claims include service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and a psychotic disorder not otherwise specified.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased disability rating and reopening of service connection claims, leaving no issues for the Board to review.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to determine if any of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service or a service-connected disability.