Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from December 30, 2015, to January 10, 2016. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise on whether he was unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety. A new VA examination is needed to determine if his conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was granted with an effective date of March 6, 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and alcoholism.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, cerebrovascular accident, a heart disability (coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease), an acquired psychiatric disability (major depressive disorder with psychosis), and right and left shoulder disabilities. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder secondary to a psychiatric disorder due to new evidence of in-service events.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress has been granted a 50 percent rating, but her claims for service connection of left shoulder strain and lumbosacral strain have not been resolved due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as to service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claims of service connection for anxiety and depression have been denied due to lack of current disability evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for lung cancer with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is dismissed.,A rating of 70 percent, but no higher, has been granted for Major depressive disorder (MDD).

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and PTSD have been granted an increased rating to 70 percent.,The Veteran has also been granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the issue of service connection for any psychological condition, to include anxiety. The Veteran's mental health disability (Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Major Depressive Disorder) was granted at a 70% rating effective September 14, 2021.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence provided by the Veteran and her colleague, requiring a new opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to a now service-connected back disability. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) is also considered service connected.,The decision does not specify any particular exposure basis or indicate that the appeal was related to the PACT Act.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for asbestos exposure, hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of sufficient information in the record to make informed decisions on these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to her military sexual trauma during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and eligibility for financial assistance have been remanded due to the need for further review of his medical records and evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities, as he is not in need of regular aid and assistance from another person and is not permanently confined to his dwelling.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been granted. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (including depression and anxiety). The decision found that there was no evidence to support a nexus between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.