Depression Board decisions

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD with MDD, finding that the claim was not continuously pursued and thus the proper effective date is January 5, 2022.

The Board has granted service connection for neck disability manifested by limitation of flexion, finding the evidence approximately evenly balanced as to whether it is related to active duty service.,Service connection was denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) due to failure to report for a VA examination scheduled in conjunction with the original compensation claim.

The Board denied the appellant's eligibility for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in rating decisions dated May 19, 2021 and May 21, 2021. The decision found that while the appellant was eligible to receive direct payment of fees arising out of the grants of service connection for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a 70 percent rating for persistent depressive disorder, she waived her entitlement to these fees.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including schizophrenia and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the onset and relationship of his current conditions to military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as depression and claimed as PTSD, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional treatment records from his active duty period.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating during the review period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in a previous VA opinion regarding whether sleep apnea is secondary to service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to be caused by his service-connected PTSD, with obesity being an intermediate step in the multi-causal chain. As a result, the Board grants service connection for sleep apnea on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claim of recognition of his spouse K. P. for purposes of dependency compensation is dismissed as the AOJ has already granted service connection and assigned a rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left ear disabilities, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and depression have been granted a 70 percent rating for the entire appeal period, with occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, an inability to establish effective relationships, and impaired impulse control.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities have prevented her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since September 23, 2015.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and depressive disorder have been granted service connection.,Service connection for PTSD has been denied, as the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-5 criteria. The Veteran's current symptoms do not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD and AUD has been rated at 50 percent since April 23, 2020. The appeal for an increased rating is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on the current symptoms.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety, and depression is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, higher ratings for residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and TDIU due to duty to assist errors. A new opinion is needed from a neuropsychologist regarding the likely etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headaches and depression (now also claimed as anxiety and insomnia) due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between these conditions and military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder with depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms manifested to a compensable degree within one year of his discharge from active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service personnel records and a need for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the appellant's mental state at the time of his misconduct.