Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded multiple issues for further development, including service connection claims and exposure to ionizing radiation or chemical agents. The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded due to inadequate VA opinions. His psychiatric condition, migraine headaches, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, urinary condition, sleep apnea, and hypogonadism claims are also remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for a higher rating for depression and for TDIU as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to September 8, 2022 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter for PTSD and major depressive disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for PTSD and MDD prior to September 5, 2019 and from February 4, 2021 has been dismissed as the Veteran requested a withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to an issue raised by the Veteran regarding his March 2013 request to reopen his PTSD claim as an implied claim for increase of his service-connected major depressive disorder. The case is now pending and requires a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran has PTSD.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his PTSD, which is considered a direct result of his active duty service, was a contributing factor to his suicide.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder but denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, other than unspecified depressive disorder. The Veteran's current symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened, but the Board found no evidence to support a finding that his acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep disorder, or chronic headaches are related to his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC based on aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for this benefit.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since March 5, 2018.

The appeals for service connection and rating for sleep apnea, PTSD, and major depressive disorder with anxious distress have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's death is being considered, along with issues related to hypertension and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and unspecified depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are currently rated, but the case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service treatment records are unavailable, and the Board has determined that remand is necessary to ensure a VA examination is conducted. The claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of all pending appeals.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of the Veteran's claimed stressors and an incomplete VA examination. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of left carpal tunnel syndrome, left cubital tunnel syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety) due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's major depression with anxiety disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 100 percent is not warranted based on his symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder.