Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of medical opinion regarding whether his acquired psychiatric disorder and cervical neck disorder are related to service. The Veteran is to be scheduled for VA examinations to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disability due to duty-to-assist errors that occurred prior to the January 2022 rating decision on appeal. The AOJ will consider any evidence submitted after the AOJ decision in the adjudication of these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims of erectile dysfunction, bladder dysfunction, and mood disorder due to insufficient evidence at the time of the January 2022 decision. The Veteran's appeal is now without representation.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD with MDD and history of borderline personality disorder is granted effective November 1, 2006. The Veteran's eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under Chapter 35, Title 38, of the United States Code is also granted effective November 1, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to service and granted, along with his Major Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective November 15, 2019. The effective date is based on the date of receipt of his most recent VA Form 21-8940.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, as the July 2021 VA examination did not provide a clear opinion on whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's combat experiences meet the in-service element of service connection.

The Veteran's initial rating of 50 percent for MDD with residuals of TBI prior to July 25, 2017 has been granted. The appeals for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been dismissed as the relief sought has been granted.

The Board has determined that there are pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors in the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and back pain. Therefore, the claims are REMANDED to allow for VA examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for persistent depressive disorder has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability claim should be remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. A new VA examination is required to evaluate the nature, onset, and etiology of his psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted an increased rating to 70 percent. The ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were also granted, with specific effective dates.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claims.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive and alcohol use disorder did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating prior to May 18, 2020. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for floaters and torn eye muscles has been dismissed due to the absence of a valid AMA rating decision. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and bilateral pes planus have been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of TDIU is granted, as he met the criteria for TDIU effective January 31, 2014.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for Major Depressive Disorder throughout the appeal period, finding that the Veteran's symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of April 1, 2021.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received, warranting readjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The claims are being remanded to allow for a VA examination.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD with other specified mental disorder due to chronic pain, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), anxious distress, and pure dysthymic syndrome has been granted at a 70 percent evaluation.