Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected depression was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to April 10, 2015 and after April 10, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is not related to his active service or to any service-connected disabilities, including associated pain. The claim for an increased rating for DJD of the right knee is also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The Board also found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is at least as likely as not secondary to his service-connected depression, thus granting service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depression, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric condition other than Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is not related to his military service, and thus denied the claim for service connection. The issue of secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain more recent records and provide him with a VA examination to determine the nature of his claimed conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, low back condition, acquired psychiatric condition (PTSD and depression), and hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining new medical evidence and a VA examination. The issues include higher ratings for various service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically depression, is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination and the need for further evidence and development.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a mental disorder/nervous condition, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted. The TDIU claim was also denied as there is no legal basis for awarding such benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, resulting in a 50% disability rating. The Board also found that she is not unemployable due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. He is also granted TDIU status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches are secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including vertigo and an acquired psychiatric disability. The issues on appeal are whether these conditions are related to service or secondary to service-connected ear disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is found to be related to his active service. The Board grants the claim of entitlement to service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability, including depression. The service connection claim for depression was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is likely due to his service-connected back condition, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's history of congestive heart failure with left ventricular hypertrophy, trace mitral regurgitation, trace tricuspid regurgitation, and mild dilated left atrium is found to be secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding that the acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD, chronic adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and depressive disorder) is related to military service.

The Veteran's depression is etiologically related to her service-connected right and left occlusive disease with narrowing of the femoral arteries, and therefore service connection for this condition is granted.