Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to provide an examination and seek a medical opinion, as it is necessary to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities are related to active-duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder renders him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as determined by the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back pain, Parkinsonism, and depression, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history.

The Board has remanded the claims for prostate disability, hypertension (HTN), acquired psychiatric disorder, right shoulder and hip disabilities, hepatitis C, bilateral pes planus, left shin splint, left hip disability, right shin splint, neck disability, right knee disability, and bilateral plantar fasciitis due to pre-decisional errors in the development process.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including depression. The VA will need to provide a new examination and opinion addressing all diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's GAD with PDD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for consideration of an earlier effective date prior to May 19, 2018, on an extraschedular basis. The AOJ must refer the case to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration.

The Veteran's cause of death is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board requests an updated medical opinion to determine the cause of his glioblastoma and whether his service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Board has granted a new and relevant evidence readjudication of the claim for an increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) to 70 percent, but denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and assistance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has denied an increased rating. The Veteran was also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD with panic attacks, alcohol use disorder, and major depressive disorder with anxious distress, is found to be related to active service.,While the Veteran has a current diagnosis of tinnitus, there is no evidence of hearing loss for VA purposes during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder was dismissed as the claim has been granted by a prior decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors and remands the cases for further action.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the restoration of a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is denied. The appeal for an effective date of April 26, 2019, but no earlier, for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to readjudicate the claim for service connection for memory loss. The case is remanded due to a lack of an adequate VA examination in the context of the acquired psychiatric disorder claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, is remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine if his current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Veteran's MDD with ADHD has been granted an initial 70 percent disability rating, effective May 11, 2020. The symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression was incurred during service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to May 31, 2012, and a TDIU. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.