Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's depressive disorder and left focal mononeuropathy of the long thoracic nerve were granted initial ratings. The left ear hearing loss claim was remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's dysthymic and major depressive disorder has been granted a maximum disability rating of 100 percent for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, which grants her the requested increase. The TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is being remanded for further development to determine its relationship to service and whether it is aggravated by his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as moot because he is already receiving a 100% disability rating for his service-connected PTSD, MDD, and GAD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating higher than 50 percent for depressive disorder with a gambling disorder prior to September 21, 2018, and for a disability rating higher than 70 percent thereafter. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's death was not due to his own willful misconduct, but the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 were not met as he did not meet the requirement of having a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for at least ten years immediately preceding death.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that his pre-existing psychiatric conditions were not aggravated by his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active service. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, and because the heart disorder may be secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder. The AOJ must obtain new medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings and a TDIU. The effective date for service connection is denied, but the Veteran is granted a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for additional medical opinions regarding his fatigue, multiple sclerosis, and sleep apnea. The issues of service connection for these conditions are now pending.

The Veteran's PTSD and OSDD have been rated at 50 percent since July 12, 2020. The rating is granted for the period from April 11, 2012 to July 12, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need to verify her periods of active duty and ADT, obtain an addendum opinion regarding her cervical spine disability, and provide information about the qualifications of a VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, thoracic spine degenerative disc disease, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity with sciatic nerve impairment, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from July 26, 2017.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and higher ratings for various conditions, except for the left foot disability. The Board dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his depressive disorder associated with total right knee arthroplasty is remanded due to the need for clarification regarding whether there are more than one mental health diagnosis present and which symptoms are attributable to each.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skeletal arthritis, seizures, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include dementia and depression), finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has found that further development is required to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to service. The Veteran's claim for service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received. The case is remanded to determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to military service. Additionally, the case is also remanded to determine if his diverticulitis is related to military service or exposure at Fort McClellan.