Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the statutory criteria for SMC based on housebound status. However, he may still qualify for SMC on a facts-found basis if his service-connected disabilities render him permanently housebound or in need of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The VA examiner needs to provide an opinion on the relationship between the diagnosed major depressive disorder and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and unspecified depressive disorder, had its onset in service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and persistent depressive disorder, which are related to his military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST) is remanded as the medical examinations and opinions of record are insufficient for deciding the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not receive notice of scheduled VA examinations and finds it highly likely he did not receive them. The claims are being remanded to attempt to obtain updated contact information for the Veteran so he can be notified of these actions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development, specifically not having an examination for service connection of psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's claim will be returned for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claim for an examination and medical opinion to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder, including persistent depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, had its onset during active service or is otherwise etiologically related to active service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied prior to October 21, 2021 due to the presence of other service-connected disabilities that allowed him to maintain substantial employment.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and Depressive Disorder, including potential service connection based on personal assault allegations.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, while his depression and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are denied.

The Veteran's diagnosed mental health disorders are not attributable to his active duty service, and the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension, depression, and back disability are remanded. Additionally, the overpayment claim is also remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to notification issues and incomplete medical records. The Veteran is entitled to a VA addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's child, J.M., was recognized as a helpless child of the Veteran for the period from August 5, 2016 to August 31, 2017 due to her disabilities that rendered her incapable of self-support prior to age 18.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not cause or aggravate his obesity, which is a contributing factor to his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected TBI and acquired psychiatric diagnoses. The Board has determined that remand is necessary for further development, including obtaining an opinion from a clinician qualified to provide medical opinions on the relationship between the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and his TBI.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as persistent depressive disorder, is granted. The case is also remanded for further development regarding the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The Veteran will be provided with a new VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety, is related to a stressor event during his service. The Board granted the claims for service connection.