Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected psychiatric disability, hallux valgus of the feet, tendonitis of the knees, and pes planus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to her military service, and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, diagnosed as depressive disorder NOS, is related to her military sexual trauma in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was rated at 30 percent from March 31, 2009 to March 20, 2012. The rating has been granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the Veteran's remaining claims on appeal can be decided.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are insufficient to decide the claim and has ordered a new examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, need to be evaluated in detail.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development due to the oldness of his VA examination records.

The Veteran's cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. He was also granted TDIU and an increased rating for headaches.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his cervical spine condition and anxiety and depression, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right and left ankle disabilities, and TDIU are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to appear for scheduled VA examinations. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence and a proper examination.

The Board found no evidence of a current psychiatric disability related to service, and the Veteran's claimed disorders are more likely due to his substance abuse issues rather than military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The Board also granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection, and the respiratory disorder claim is remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's headache disorder is found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected tinnitus. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus secondary to the Veteran's service-connected TBI residuals. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently under development.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all issues on appeal, including service connection for heart disability, hearing loss, anxiety, depression, special monthly pension based on being housebound, and nonservice-connected pension.

The Veteran is seeking a higher initial rating than 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that the current VA examination report does not accurately reflect the severity of his symptoms and remanded the case to afford him an opportunity for a new examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The decision found that there was no evidence of current tinnitus during or after service, and that any current psychiatric disorders are not related to service.