Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to unresolved questions regarding the Veteran's fatigue, spinal tuberculosis, and acquired psychiatric disability. The case will be further examined to determine if active TB was present during service and its impact on current conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and TDIU for his acquired psychiatric condition was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating, with the exception of a temporary total rating during hospitalization in January 2016.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain new VA opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected MDD is granted, and his back disability remains at a 20 percent rating. The left ankle posttraumatic synovitis continues to be rated at 10 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected psychiatric, neck, and low back disabilities due to inadequate examinations. The claims will be addressed again with new evaluations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not more nearly approximate total occupational and social impairment, warranting a disability rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety, claimed as psychotic disorder, is granted at a 70 percent disability rating. An earlier effective date of December 21, 2017 for this condition is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder has been granted an initial 100 percent rating, representing total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of multiple conditions, including psychiatric disorders and hearing loss. The Board dismissed the appeals as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right and left knee conditions, as well as his depression. The decision is based on evidence showing a current disability that is related to an in-service injury or event.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, degenerative joint disease of the right hand, and degenerative joint disease of the left hand were denied as there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of a 70 percent rating for depressive disorder with mixed features is denied. The Board found that the earliest date on which service connection could be established was July 21, 2020.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and MDD, contributed to his suicide, granting service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), finding that the Veteran's MDD had onset in service. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder has been granted service connection. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, depression, and anxiety were not proximately caused or aggravated by VA's carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA. Therefore, compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected other specified anxiety and depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that this rating is appropriate as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and his alcohol use disorder is considered a progression of the service-connected depression. The appeal for an increased rating has been granted.

The Board has expanded the issue to include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim is remanded due to insufficient competent medical evidence and a need for a VA examination.