Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep impairment disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and various musculoskeletal conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, as there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors and his current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and the need for a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, are related to military service.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder was denied, and the effective date for service connection was also denied. The appeal is based on both issues.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in approximate balance regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected depression and knee disabilities caused or aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea. As a result, service connection for OSA as secondary to these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for his Major Depressive Disorder, finding that his symptoms more closely approximate a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and MDD, was caused by service. The Board has granted the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed depression. The Veteran is seeking service connection for depression, which falls under the 'new and material' theory.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress has been granted increased ratings from April 8, 2020 to November 29, 2021. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, right wrist disorder, arthritis (right hand and left hand), plantar fasciitis and pes planus (right foot and left foot), left knee disorder, and right knee disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a panic disorder and major depressive disorder is granted as his current conditions are related to his military service experiences.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee Osgood-Schlatter disease was denied, as the evidence did not show limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or fewer.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for MDD was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including stressor verification and a VA examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date are being remanded due to the need to correct duty-to-assist errors.,A retrospective opinion is needed regarding the severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran's migraine headaches prior to June 22, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating. The Veteran is also in receipt of SMC based on housebound status.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a 70% rating for major depressive disorder was denied. The Veteran also had his claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a 50% rating for migraines denied.,Both conditions were rated based on their direct service connection without any presumption, secondary condition, or other specific theory.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective January 21, 2020. The Board denied an earlier effective date.,The Veteran was granted eligibility for DEA benefits effective January 21, 2020. The Board denied an earlier effective date.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for effective dates prior to specific rating decisions related to anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD.