Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's condition, which included depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, was deemed emergent and warranted special mode transport provided by the City of Phoenix (COP) on September 30, 2019. The claim for reimbursement is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of residuals of fractured right tibia was withdrawn. The claims for residuals of head injury and rib injury were denied as there is no persuasive evidence of current disability or in-service incurrence. The claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis was denied as he did not have a current disability at the time of his claim.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for thrombocytopenia was denied as there is no evidence that it persisted beyond service and was related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted a 100 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for major depressive disorder and TDIU was denied. The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression) and a prostate condition. The evidence did not support the presence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is eligible for enrollment in the PCAFC program due to his need for personal care services and supervision based on his medical conditions, including cognitive impairment.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, which includes major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder, is currently rated at 70 percent. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted due to the lack of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Board will obtain VA medical opinions to address whether the Veteran's current conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, but her other claims remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal for increased special monthly compensation (SMC) was denied as she is not entitled to the higher rate under section 1114(o). The Board found that her service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and right foot drop, are already accounted for in the current SMC rates.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The current 70 percent rating is maintained.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for major depression with psychotic features and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support the grant of these benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is linked to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with depressed mood, is found to have resulted from active military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's death was caused by a suicide due to a gunshot wound to the head, which is considered service-connected as it occurred during his active duty. The burial benefits are granted because the Appellant personally paid for the funeral and burial expenses.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected depressive disorder with anxious distress due to tinnitus and insomnia disorder is being remanded. The Board found the provided medical opinion insufficient and requested a new one from VA clinicians.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted with an effective date of September 14, 2010, based on his service-connected skin disorder and major depressive disorder preventing him from securing or following any substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headaches/migraines, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back condition, a right knee condition, a left knee condition, and bilateral pes planus due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The other issues have been granted.