Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with previous directives, specifically failing to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination. The case will be returned for further development and evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, his claims for diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, and depression remain denied as there is no credible evidence of herbicide exposure or a direct link to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and whether it is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder. The case will be remanded for further medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and the Veteran's failure to attend a VA examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and major depressive disorders, and TDIU are being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are not of sufficient severity to produce unemployability, and the Board denied his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) was denied, but the Board granted an effective date of January 29, 2015 for the assignment of a 70 percent disability rating.,The Veteran also sought a higher disability rating for MDD and this appeal resulted in a grant of a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for a higher rating for bipolar disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the issue.

The Board has decided that the character of the Appellant's discharge does not entitle him to VA benefits. The decision is remanded for a medical opinion regarding whether the Appellant was insane at the time of misconduct leading to his discharge.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating for service-connected major depressive disorder from December 17, 2018 is dismissed as moot.,The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for epididymitis of the left testicle remains denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition meets or more closely approximates the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for right hip degenerative changes with trochanter bursitis is remanded, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if he meets the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating based on limitation of abduction.,The Veteran's claim for chronic lumbar strain remains denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition meets or more closely approximates the criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for gout is denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for kidney stones is denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent for the entire rating period, with no higher rating granted due to the current level of functional impairment.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is related to service and granted. However, the Board denied secondary service connection for sleep apnea as it was not a service-connected condition at that time.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and various musculoskeletal conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to November 20, 2019. As a result, the Board granted a TDIU for this period. Additionally, basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance was established.

An initial disability rating of 70 percent for unspecified depressive disorder is granted, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from March 4, 2022 is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error and needs additional development, including an addendum VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for vertigo, TDIU, and Dependents' Educational Assistance were denied as there was no evidence of an increase in disability during the one year prior to his claim.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran is entitled to service connection for major depressive disorder, as part of a previously decided issue regarding severance of service connection for personality disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and migraines were increased to a 100 percent rating in the January 2021 decision. The Veteran was also granted total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's MDD with PTSD is rated at 50 percent since April 18, 2021. The Board has granted a full grant of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension. The Board found new and relevant evidence to support these claims.,Service connection has also been established for left knee and right knee disabilities.