Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, colon cancer, an eye disability (presumably a pre-existing condition), hemorrhoids, non-allergic rhinitis, and knee disabilities. The Board also found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for right leg varicose veins, chronic venous embolism, or deep vein thrombosis. Service connection has been granted for non-allergic rhinitis due to a service-connected deviated septum.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military noise exposure. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to outstanding records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders and prostate cancer and bilateral eye condition.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, but not the more severe level required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent since March 16, 2009, reflecting significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left knee disability, bronchitis, or pneumonia incurred in service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as well.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted, and his service-connected disabilities prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine condition is related to service, and thus granted his claim for service connection. The right shoulder condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and alcohol dependence claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depression. The Board finds that additional development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of his current psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to her death before a decision was made by the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since June 2, 2005. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's symptoms do not render him unemployable and assigned a GAF score of 60.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, but denied service connection for PTSD and personality disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral knee disabilities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury or an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and anxiety, finding new and material evidence. The Board also found that her acquired psychiatric disorder is etiologically related to her active duty military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of depression and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's mental disorders have been rated based on their severity, with a 50 percent rating prior to June 27, 2008 and a 70 percent rating thereafter. The claims for service connection for a headache disorder and heart disorder were denied.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was denied. The Board also remanded her service connection claim for a psychiatric disability, to include depression (MDD), but did not reach a decision on it due to insufficient evidence.