Depression Board decisions

The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include anxiety and depression, due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a new medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for bipolar disorder, anxiety, major depression, and sleep disturbances as there is no current disability of these conditions that are distinct from the Veteran's already service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and an initial compensable rating, finding that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating for her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder and autistic spectrum resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a higher initial rating of 70 percent from August 5, 2020. Additionally, the Veteran is entitled to TDIU due to his service-connected conditions starting May 22, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder was granted a 70 percent rating effective January 14, 2022, and entitlement to TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate were also granted on that date.

The Veteran has withdrawn the appeal for service connection of multiple conditions, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, chronic depression, chronic anxiety, sleep disorder, degenerative disc disease, left knee meniscal tear, and substance abuse-alcohol.

The appeal for an earlier effective date prior to February 4, 2013, for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder was dismissed due to a pending Board appeal regarding the propriety of the assignment of that effective date.

The Board remands the claims for a 100 percent rating and TDIU due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board granted an effective date of February 9, 2018, for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder with mixed features somatic symptom disorder associated with migraines.

The Board remands the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error, as recent evidence suggests a worsening of service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the case for an opinion from a reviewing clinician to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to his active service or caused by or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for chronic anxiety and major depressive disorder, leading to the dismissal of these appeals.

The Board remands the claims for further development and readjudication, including considering new evidence associated with the file since the April 2016 rating decision.

The Board granted service connection for headaches as secondary to the service-connected tinnitus and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, a separate anxiety or depression disorder, and other conditions including a right inguinal hernia, sinus condition, gastrointestinal condition, and insomnia.

The Board granted a 70 percent evaluation for the Veteran's chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, but remanded claims for service connection for neck disorder with neurologic complications to include occipital neuralgia.

The appeal for a higher disability rating was denied, but TDIU based on the single service-connected disability of depression; adjustment disorder; with alcohol induced mood disorder; neurosis; and unspecified anxiety disorder was granted.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include anxiety and depression. The claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea were remanded.

The Board remands the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors and the need for a medical examination that addresses all theories of entitlement.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for various conditions as they were duplicative of other appeals.