Depression Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a respiratory disability, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, is granted as service connected due to the evidence showing it arose during his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder of GAD and MDD, as well as left knee osteoarthritis. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injuries and continuous symptoms since separation.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for other specified trauma/stressor related disorder and depressive disorder, a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease lumbar spine prior to June 17, 2021, and in excess of 40 percent from that date, a rating in excess of 10 percent left knee strain, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inconsistencies in previous VA opinions and the need for additional medical examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder.

The Veteran's flat feet disability, including pes planus and plantar fasciitis (flat feet), is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's back disability is granted as service-connected. The examiner noted that the in-service training did not cause or aggravate her current back condition.,The Veteran's depression is granted as service-connected based on in-service incidents.,The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right arm disability (including elbow and wrist disabilities) is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's right ankle disability is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's left ankle disability is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's hepatitis disability is not established as a current condition. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of a current hepatitis disability.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression due to MST is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of depressive disorder was denied as there were no pending or unadjudicated claims prior to November 6, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, Persistent Depressive Disorder, and Anxiety Disorder).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches secondary to his cervical spine disability is granted. Other issues are remanded, and the effective date of TDIU is set prior to February 23, 2018.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, prior to November 3, 2017. The evidence showed that symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss were present but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to a lack of evidence on whether the Veteran's major depressive disorder contributed substantially or materially to his death. The claim is pending further review.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder, finding that it is proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with anxiety and disturbance of conduct is granted. The Veteran's claims for increased rating for a service-connected left hip disability and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further rating decisions on his claims of entitlement to compensable ratings for causalgia of the left and right feet.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examinations and development of the Veteran's dementia disability in accordance with Clemons. The claims for increased rating, service connection, and TDIU are all related and must be addressed together.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since September 22, 2011. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is remanded.,Service connection for colitis is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his symptoms and medical history.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further clarification regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including her claims of a personal assault during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain missing service treatment records and VA treatment records, as well as to schedule the Veteran for a psychiatric examination.