Depression decisions — 2017

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, left lower extremity sciatica, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression). The Veteran's symptoms were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to March 18, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions, including back, hip, shoulder, knee, prostate cancer, colon cancer, kidney condition, bladder condition, hypertension, head injury from dizziness, headaches, and depression have been denied. The left hand scar is rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA mental health treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's daughter, T.L.H., is permanently incapable of self-support prior to her 18th birthday due to severe mental disabilities and finds that she meets the criteria for recognition as a helpless child.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and adjustment disorder, was found to be incurred as a result of active duty service. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since November 16, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since September 21, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for depression, right knee disability, and lumbar spine DJD due to further development being necessary.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from private health care providers and clarifying when each diagnosed psychiatric disability first manifested.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Meniere's disease is at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection for this condition is granted. The issue of service connection for unspecified psychiatric disabilities remains on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The initial disability rating for unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder remains at 30 percent, and the claims for GERD and abdominal aortic aneurysm were not granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a back disability, but has found that service connection for depression is not warranted as it is not secondary to the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for updated VA treatment records from November 2013 to June 2014. The case will be returned to the Board for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are not related to his time in service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the initial rating for mechanical low back pain with degenerative disc disease and the claim for a TDIU prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive and anxiety disorders have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating since November 1, 2016.

The Board has denied the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, and secondary to tinnitus. The case is being remanded due to issues with the VA's duty to assist in providing a proper examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD during the appeal period. The evidence supports diagnoses of panic disorder with agoraphobia and depressive disorder NOS, but there is conflicting medical evidence as to whether these conditions are related to service.