Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected persistent depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective May 8, 2023. The Board denied a higher rating for the disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient discussion of the combat presumption and incomplete VA medical opinions. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is now before the Board again.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his psychiatric disability from January 31, 2018 to December 8, 2020 was denied. The claim for TDIU prior to September 1, 2018 was also denied. However, the Veteran's claim for a TDIU effective September 1, 2018 was granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted as service connected due to a diagnosed in-service stressor.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, MDD, and Memory Disorder. The remand requires obtaining additional VA and private medical records and providing a comprehensive medical opinion addressing causation and aggravation by service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor and the need for a new medical opinion.

The Veteran's TBI and sleep apnea are not service-connected, but his migraine headaches have been restored to a 50% rating. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for TBI and sleep apnea.

The appeals to reopen claims of service connection for right and left hip conditions are dismissed.,The appeals to reopen claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition (PTSD, depression) and a sleep disorder are granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating under DC 9434. The Board finds no evidence of symptoms warranting a higher disability rating.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including depression and other conditions. The effective date of this decision is August 28, 2023.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the aggravation of his service-connected ulcerative colitis by other conditions. The effective dates and ratings remain pending further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression/anxiety and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression/anxiety, has been reopened. Service connection is granted for these conditions. However, the right ankle condition was denied as not incurred during active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, sleep apnea, and PTSD with major depressive disorder, as well as her claim for a TDIU prior to January 14, 2020. The appeals are now pending before the RO.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if her conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and sleep problems. The decision finds that her symptoms are related to her active service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a neurobehavioral disorder due to the need for further examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent from December 29, 2011. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from the same date.

The Board has reopened several service connection claims but denied some, resulting in a mixed disposition. The Veteran's new evidence relates to the unestablished facts necessary for reopening these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further development is needed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of entitlement to service connection for depression.