Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been found to be causally related to her active military service, granting the claim for these conditions. The claims of entitlement to service connection for lupus and sleep apnea are inextricably intertwined with the lupus claim and must be addressed together.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected multilevel mild degenerative discogenic change of the thoracolumbar spine.,Service connection is also granted for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, but the appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed conditions and insufficient medical nexus opinions.

The Veteran's myofascial pain syndrome of the cervical and thoracic spine is related to his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issue regarding PTSD remains pending as it involves other diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is granted. The Veteran also has a current rating of 40% for bilateral hearing loss effective December 6, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development of his claims, including obtaining VA medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for major depression and dysthymia has been remanded due to the submission of new evidence since the last Statement of the Case.

The Board has found that the Veteran's deviated nasal septum is related to in-service injuries and grants service connection for this condition. The issues of service connection for bilateral knee disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are also granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, and finds that her pre-existing condition worsened during active duty. The Veteran is granted service connection for recurrent major depression and bipolar disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is related to his military service and grants this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression disorder is likely aggravated by her service-connected anal fissures with sphincter impairment, and thus grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for duodenal ulcer and depression are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including issuance of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD, depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse have been rated at 70 percent since April 22, 2013. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms as described in the medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. The issue of TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with this service connection claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder and personality disorder, was not incurred or aggravated during service. The claim for secondary service connection of peripheral neuropathy to diabetes mellitus is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been rated at the highest available levels, but his TDIU claim prior to February 14, 2012 was denied due to his ability to engage in employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded due to incomplete medical opinions regarding his service connection claims for depression and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the need for additional examination of his pes planus.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the current level of impairment resulting from his service-connected disabilities and whether they are sufficient by themselves to render him housebound or require aid and attendance. The issues related to earlier effective dates and reopening a claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his SSA records and scheduling him for new VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.