Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring a new examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes chronic generalized anxiety, depressive disorder, and poly substance dependence in full remission, was denied. The Board found that the severity of the symptoms did not more closely approximate the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with anxiety and depression was denied, but later granted in February 2022. The appellant is seeking attorney fees for this appeal, but the RO has ordered the release of the requested fees to the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hiatal hernia with Mallore-Weiss tear, and depression due to a lack of a reasonably raised claim prior to the July 2002 rating decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an unspecified depressive disorder with anxious stress, is rated at 50 percent for the period prior to March 24, 2022 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. The appeal is remanded due to issues related to limitation of flexion of the right thigh, limitation of extension of the right hip, and a right hip strain.

The Board has remanded the case due to pre-decisional errors and insufficient medical opinions, requiring further examination and consideration of the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eczema disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety and persistent depressive disorders, is granted. The skin disability issue requires further examination to determine if it is related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone did not result in unemployability during the period on appeal, as he was able to maintain marginal employment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is rated at 50 percent throughout the appeal period, granting a higher rating than previously assigned. The service connection for left ankle and hip disabilities remains remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has found that the VA examiner's opinion was inadequate and remanded for an addendum to address specific issues related to the Veteran's psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at least 70 percent from April 4, 2011 to July 30, 2022. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination and medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, facial scarring due to acne, and pseudofolliculitis barbae were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The appeal regarding entitlement to service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy has been dismissed as moot.,The appeal regarding entitlement to service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as unspecified anxiety disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, panic disorder, and insomnia disorder, is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder was granted a 100 percent rating effective May 20, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder was denied, and his TDIU claim due to service-connected disabilities is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's acquired psychological condition, including depression and anxiety, is granted as service connected. The Board found sufficient evidence to support the claim that these conditions began during service and are related to his in-service symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA opinions and a failure to provide proper notice regarding personal assault claims for PTSD. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD based on sexual trauma during active duty is being addressed.