Depression Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses of depression and anxiety are less likely related to his active service.

The Board denied service connection for anxiety and depression (now claimed as PTSD), right wrist disability, left wrist disability, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, and degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's MDD and unspecified anxiety disorder are currently rated at 50 percent, which does not warrant an increase to a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are rated at 100%, combined. He does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the 's' rate, and his TDIU claim is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as unspecified anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, is granted. The Board finds that the evidence shows a reasonable doubt in favor of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and OCD has been reopened. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran is granted an increased initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder from February 17, 2017 to September 15, 2019 and a TDIU effective from the same date. The appeal as to TDIU was dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his thoracolumbar strain with degenerative changes and posttraumatic stress disorder, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of June 11, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a depressive disorder, an anxiety disorder and an adjustment disorder due to new evidence submitted during the appeal.

The Veteran's mental health disorders, including PTSD, depression, and panic attacks, are granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's current sleep apnea is related to his military service.,There is no evidence of pseudofolliculitis barbae during or within one year after the Veteran's separation from service, and there is conflicting medical opinion regarding its onset. The Veteran currently has a history of pseudofolliculitis barbae while on active duty but does not have current disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation in the November 2021 decision regarding the Veteran's lay reports of functional impairment and the contribution of non-service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is seeking SMC based on loss of use of feet, but the Board found no such loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left and right wrist disorders, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. Additional examinations are needed to address these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of July 9, 1998. The earlier effective date of March 25, 1997, is granted as the new and material evidence submitted in July 1998 led to a grant of service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for right ankle, left knee, and acquired psychiatric disabilities due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and unavailable service treatment records. The Veteran's cold injury residuals and lumbar spine disability are being examined by a Vascular Specialist and an Orthopedic Specialist, respectively, while his acquired psychiatric disorder claim is being reviewed by a Psychiatrist or Psychologist.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, major depressive disorder, hepatitis C, and a liver condition are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding exposure to herbicide agents in Korea.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including MDD, and a cardiac or heart disability secondary to PTSD and/or an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of May 21, 2019 for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder with insomnia and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims were filed within one year of their intent to file.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression and anxiety as secondary to tinnitus due to a lack of evidence showing current diagnoses or a causal relationship between these conditions and his service-connected disability.