Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claimed headaches and memory loss are not shown to have been incurred in service, manifested within one year of service, or causally related to any disease, injury, or incident during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment records, specifically those from his Reserve unit. The VA also needs to obtain private mental health treatment records and provide a VA psychiatric examination to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a rating higher than 50 percent, and she was also granted an increased rating for her low back condition. The cervical spine condition and right median nerve neuropathy were not service-connected.

The Board has determined that additional procedural and substantive development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for ocular histoplasmosis, bilateral nephrolithiasis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression), renal disease, and mediastinal obstructive syndrome as secondary to exposure to Histoplasma capsulatum on active duty.

The Veteran's fatigue, sleep disorder, and loss of concentration are considered symptoms of his service-connected major depressive disorder and myocardial infarction. The Board finds that these conditions are not separate disabilities warranting individual service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent should be granted since July 24, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been reopened, but the issue remains pending as new and material evidence was not submitted within one year of notice. The Veteran's left popliteal/tibial nerve damage is currently rated at 40 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to his service-connected disabilities is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hyperlipidemia was denied as the condition is not a disability for VA compensation purposes. The claims for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder were also addressed but are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 70 percent for service-connected MDD/PTSD and a TDIU was granted, effective from April 17, 2012, and September 13, 2012 respectively. The Appellant is eligible for attorney fees based on these decisions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart disorders, headaches, cervical spine disorders, lumbar spine disorders, acquired psychiatric/mental disorders (including PTSD, depression, anxiety), and sleep disorders. The Board found no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment, but his service-connected PTSD precludes him from maintaining substantially gainful employment. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD is denied, while the TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition.,The Veteran filed a valid Notice of Disagreement (NOD) regarding his entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress is currently rated at 50 percent, effective October 28, 2016. The claim for service connection of a thoracic/lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability are granted as new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and depressive disorder, preexisted service. The in-service stressors did not cause or permanently aggravate these conditions beyond their natural progression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, anal fistulas, gall bladder disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and hepatitis C were not incurred in or caused by active service. The back disability was also denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disability including schizophrenia, depression, mood disorder, and bipolar disorder. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA mental health examination to determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression and anxiety, is found to be secondary to his service-connected tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, and right ear otosclerosis.,The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.