Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD with MDD and mild neurocognitive disorder, residuals of a TBI, and other disabling effects of the service-connected burn scar, groin were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include major depressive disorder with psychotic features, and denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and missing examination records. The issues include an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened and is granted. The Board finds new and material evidence to support the reopening of his claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, gastrointestinal condition (GERD), cervical spine disability, skin disability, sinusitis, rhinitis, headache disability, and sleep disorder.

The Board has determined that there is not substantial compliance with its October 2019 remand directives and has therefore remanded the case for further development, including verification of the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor and a VA examination to identify and determine the likely etiology of the claimed psychiatric disorder.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a liver condition, and whether new and material evidence was received to reopen a claim for hepatitis. The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is granted at a 70% rating from May 15, 2020. The effective date remains pending as the claim was not fully resolved.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions. The issues of entitlement to increased evaluations, service connection, and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to May 3, 2022 due to its interconnection with other pending claims. The Veteran's AMA appeal for initial rating and earlier effective date for service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder is not currently on appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases due to failure of the Veteran to report for VA examinations, and further examination is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD and depression, which were found to have been incurred during his active duty. The decision grants entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired mental health disorder can be adjudicated. The case is REMANDED for a VA examination to address whether the Veteran's current diagnoses of anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder are superimposed on his preexisting personality disorder during active service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since April 20, 2018. The rating will remain at this level for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left wrist scars, to include on an extraschedular basis, was denied due to the lack of qualifying scar area and no associated underlying soft tissue damage or instability.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder was also denied as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, GERD, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, tinnitus, and bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathies, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected, but his right ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder are denied.

The Veteran's mental disorder symptoms prior to October 12, 2020, more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. A 70 percent rating for the period prior to October 12, 2020, is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder due to MST has been reopened. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine the relationship between her current psychiatric disorders and military service. Her claim for a scalp condition is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; anemia; back disability; bilateral foot disability including pes planus and right bunion. The issues of service connection for eye disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and insomnia were also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disability. The claim will be reviewed again with new addendum VA medical opinions.