Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's disability rating for major depressive disorder was reduced from 50% to 30%, effective November 1, 2019. The reduction was proper as the symptoms showed sustained improvement on reexamination. His diabetes mellitus remains at a 20% rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to incomplete information regarding his employment and income throughout the appeals period. The Board will request this information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed. The appeal for service connection of mixed anxiety with depressive disorder was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and persistent depressive disorder, are related to service. The claim will be reconsidered after the examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition including, sleep disturbance, mood disorder (depression, anxiety), and substance abuse is granted as service connected. The claim for lupus is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to issues related to the Veteran's character of discharge from service. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion on whether the Veteran was insane at the time of misconduct leading to his discharge.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for left ear hearing loss is dismissed. The claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to new evidence submitted since the last denial.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for Major Depressive Disorder and has remanded the issue of service connection for Hyperthyroidism, finding that it is less likely related to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, depression disorder, and PTSD, due to a lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is related to his active-duty service and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is remanded due to a discrepancy in his current address. The case will be returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial rating for PTSD and persistent depressive disorder has been withdrawn. The claims of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, right ankle disability, lumbosacral spine disability, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to an administrative error in submitting a modernized review system form instead of a legacy one. The Veteran must file a timely VA Form 9 if he wishes to continue his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating exceeding 70 percent for acquired psychiatric disorders from August 6, 2013 is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for an initial 70 percent disability rating for his acquired psychiatric disorders is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and reasoning for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD. The Veteran's statements regarding symptoms in service are not considered by the examiner.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a higher rating for PTSD, alcohol use disorder, and depression, as well as back pay. The Board dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression). These issues are being remanded for further development.,New evidence received since previous decisions is sufficient to reopen the claims but does not establish service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of his acquired psychiatric conditions and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound have been withdrawn. The Board has granted service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury with an initial evaluation of 40 percent effective January 16, 2017.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and bipolar affective disorder, were aggravated by service. The examiner is required to provide an opinion on whether these conditions existed prior to the period of ACDUTRA and if they are related to disease or injury incurred during this period.

The Veteran's depression is granted as service connected, and her TDIU claim is also granted. Her increased disability rating for breast cancer residuals remains remanded.