Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for unspecified depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from Tuskegee VAMC and Riverbend.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as there is no evidence of its onset in service or a link to service.,Before January 1, 2016, the Veteran's headaches were rated at 30 percent and not higher due to lack of very frequent, completely prostrating attacks. Beginning January 1, 2016, his rating was increased to 50 percent based on more severe symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's depressive and mood disorder, finding that it is proximately due to her service-connected right knee, left knee, and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremity.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder and a depressive disorder, is causally related to chronic pain resulting from service-connected disabilities such as bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome with right shoulder degenerative change; cervical degenerative joint disease with sprain residuals; bilateral thumb degenerative joint disease; bilateral ankle sprain residuals; bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis; bilateral big toe bunionectomy; and low back sprain residuals. Service connection for these psychiatric conditions is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and panic disorder, finding that his IBS was proximately due to or aggravated by these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and will schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric condition other than PTSD is related to service.

The Veteran's other specified depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 30 and 50 percent ratings.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent from June 1, 2019. He also received a grant for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities effective from the same date.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in VA's duty to assist, specifically regarding the verification of the Veteran's claimed stressors and the examination for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim will be reconsidered with additional evidence and a new examination.

The Veteran was awarded service connection for an unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, effective November 7, 2017. The Veteran's child N. is recognized as his dependent based on permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining the age of 18, with an effective date of November 7, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a recurrent lumbar spine disability and major depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder is related to his time in service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, asthma with obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined impact of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for left shoulder disability was withdrawn by the Veteran during his virtual Board hearing.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, headaches, GERD, chronic pain syndrome, lumbar radiculopathy (legs and feet), lumbar radiculopathy (arms and hands), and unspecified depressive disorder. Service connection is denied for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to major depressive disorder (MDD) is being remanded due to the need for a more detailed opinion regarding causation and aggravation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, and mood disorder, finding no current diagnosis of such a condition.

The Board denied effective dates prior to April 18, 2021 for the grants of service connection for various disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing an intent to file a claim before that date.

The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent rating for PTSD with MDD and AUD is granted, but the appeal does not address service connection issues.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request, resulting in the dismissal of both PTSD and acquired psychiatric disorder claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for a new VA examination. The issues of sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance by another person are also being remanded.