Depression decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete medical records and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's major depression is found to have started during her active duty service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death before a decision could be made on the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as the rating issues related to depressive disorder and eye disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and residuals of lung cancer have rendered him unemployable, but the VA examiners' opinions did not adequately address his overall functional impairment caused by these disabilities. Additional development is needed to provide an addendum opinion regarding the cumulative effects of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and headaches have been reopened, with the latter being granted as they are related to in-service depression. The Veteran's right shoulder and cervical spine disabilities remain unresolved.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and mood. The Board finds that a 70 percent rating is warranted for the entire period under consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorders resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a TDIU. The appellant is also entitled to a rating of 70 percent for the psychiatric disability, but not SMC due to his ability to maintain some personal hygiene and relationships.

The Veteran's appeal for increased rating of major depressive disorder and service connection for sleep apnea has been withdrawn by his representative.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disability is not service-connected, as there was no evidence of a pre-existing injury or chronic condition during service. The most recent VA examination did not find clear and unmistakable evidence of a preexisting condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression. The appeals are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his service connection claims, including those related to PTSD, bilateral foot disorder, and skin disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether his conditions preclude such employment.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder had its onset during active service and is related to in-service symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, along with depression and social phobia, is service-connected. The conditions are considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for PTSD has been withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including RLS, COPD, an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, low back disability, and hypertension. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary medical records and conduct appropriate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of coronary artery disease and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, dizzy spells, bad eyesight and memory loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.