Depression Board decisions

The Board is remanding the case due to outstanding records and for further analysis of the appellant's mental health history, including his service stressors and post-service treatment. The appeal involves both a determination of character of discharge and potential service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to May 14, 2014 is being remanded due to the inextricably intertwined issues of increased ratings and earlier effective dates for service connection for depressive disorder with anxious distress, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, and osteoarthritis of the right shoulder. The matter will be reconsidered after these claims are resolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a vascular disorder, including as due to toxic exposures during military service, need further development. The case is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of April 6, 2006 for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder. The Veteran claimed this condition as secondary to multiple injuries sustained during service.

The Veteran's right foot disability is denied as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.,For the initial appeal period prior to July 21, 2023, the Veteran's depressive disorder is denied due to insufficient impairment. After July 21, 2023, her depressive disorder remains denied but with a remanded issue for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, specifically his depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The case will be reviewed again with a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient attempts at corroborating the Veteran's reported in-service stressor and failure to schedule a VA examination. The Veteran is advised that he must keep VA apprised of his whereabouts for future examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the failure to schedule a personal hearing as instructed in previous Board decisions.

The Veteran's major depression and migraines have been granted a rating of 50 percent, effective November 3, 2011. The Veteran's POTS has also been granted a 100 percent rating since November 3, 2011.

The Veteran is granted TDIU prior to August 30, 2023, due to his service-connected disabilities. On or after August 30, 2023, the combined evaluation of his service-connected disabilities does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been withdrawn.,Claims to reopen previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus type II have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection for high blood pressure and headaches have not been established based on the available evidence.,The Veteran's surgical scar, dorsal left second metatarsophalangeal joint s/p osteotomy left foot has a compensable disability rating.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the September 2023 remand directives and has ordered further remand for a VA examination. The Veteran failed to report for scheduled examinations due to lack of proper notification, which is now considered good cause.

The Board has granted service connection for depression. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and needs a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to report to a scheduled VA examination and the unique circumstances of his case, including chronic homelessness.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain relevant medical records, as there is no indication that these records are pertinent to service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the receipt of new evidence, including a VA examination. The AOJ must consider this new evidence and issue a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that it is proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is granted a rating of 70 percent, effective from April 20, 2016, and the claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted.