Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been granted an initial rating of 100 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The right shoulder strain issue remains pending.

The Board has determined that there is not substantial compliance with previous remand directives and thus requires another remand for further development. The Veteran's service records show he was treated for anxiety and depression during his service, but the VA examiner found insufficient evidence to support a nexus between current psychiatric disorders and service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings, earlier effective dates, and service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney indicating withdrawal of all pending appeals.

The Veteran's sleep apnea began during active service and is granted.,The Veteran has a current acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder related to his in-service stressor. A VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a 100 percent rating for coronary artery disease is granted, effective January 4, 2024. Additionally, the Veteran is awarded special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from March 17, 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including cocaine abuse disorder, alcohol abuse disorder, depression, and anxiety, as well as those conditions secondary to a service-connected right shoulder disability. The evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and active service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of records. The issues include his acquired psychiatric disorder, cervical spine condition, and low back condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, are not considered to be related to military service or MST. The Board denied the claim as there is no evidence of a valid PTSD diagnosis.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection and rating for chest pain, hearing loss, left shoulder pain, major depressive disorder, left ankle pain, left hip pain, left knee pain, right ankle pain, right hip pain, and a compensable rating for dry eye syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The claim for PTSD remains pending as the evidence is not in balance regarding its onset during or after service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease, left and right lower leg radiculopathy, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder), and headaches. Service connection was denied for prostate disorder.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The TDIU was granted as of October 24, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and increased rating for major depressive disorder are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence not considered in the previous decision.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder with depression, secondary to tinnitus. The other claims have been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development regarding her character of discharge from active duty. The AOJ must address whether she was insane at the time of her offenses and if so, determine if an acquired psychiatric disorder caused her behavior.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a verified in-service stressor and the claimed psychiatric disorder did not manifest during or within one year after service. The Board found that the Veteran's statements regarding his alleged stressors are unreliable.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and a need for a new VA mental disorders examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's psychiatric and respiratory conditions and his military service. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and information.