Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to her service-connected multiple sclerosis.,Her depression appeal is dismissed due to it being a symptom of her already service-connected neurocognitive disorder.,Tinnitus was denied as there is no current diagnosis and the Veteran did not report any during active duty.,Bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of qualifying hearing loss for VA purposes.,High blood pressure, spinal fluid leak, left wrist pain, right wrist pain, back pain, and neck pain were all denied due to lack of a nexus to service.,Left shoulder pain and right shoulder pain were also denied without a clear link to service.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on housebound status beyond September 1, 2019 was denied as she no longer met the criteria for this benefit after that date.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date prior to October 29, 2021, and a rating more than 70 percent for her acquired psychiatric condition.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was granted by the May 2024 rating decision.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected.,His low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, anxiety) are denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD is remanded. The claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, low back disability (claimed as low back pain), and migraine headaches are also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, ankle and knee disabilities, low back disability, anxiety/depression, insomnia, sleep apnea, and headaches, did not begin during or are otherwise related to service. As such, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, insomnia disorder, and panic disorder, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since September 18, 2018. The Board has granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder.,The Board also denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for fatigue due to obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is less likely than not related to active service.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for depressive disorder, GERD, and an earlier effective date for a right foot drop disability were dismissed due to untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, as well as posttraumatic stress disorder, is found to be due to his military service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of November 5, 2012 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran was found to be precluded from gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities starting from that date.

Service connection for PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder is granted. Service connection for lower back condition and OSA are denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has found a pre-decisional duty to assist error and remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's vertigo, service-connected PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and migraines.

The Veteran's UDD is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, and the Board has denied a higher rating as his psychiatric signs and symptoms do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied, while his claim for major depressive disorder with anxious distress is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various hip and knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for her mental health condition, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The case is now pending for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Parkinson's disease and tremors, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was granted a rating in excess of 70 percent. Service connection for hypertension, right leg burn scar, and GERD were also granted.