Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD and depression was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's preexisting migraine headaches are found to be aggravated by active service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The claims for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy involving the sciatic nerve, cervical spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disability are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD, but there is conflicting evidence regarding its onset. An addendum opinion from a VA examiner is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression, anxiety and/or PTSD. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left and right hand disabilities has been denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder has been denied.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected Guillain Barre Syndrome and awarded special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it has not caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has found that further development of medical evidence is necessary to satisfy VA's duty to assist the Veteran in his claims for service connection for PTSD, Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia, and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted as his reported in-service stressors are consistent with combat service and he has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his deployment.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD, other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, finding that these conditions are related to her in-service military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea as due to his major depressive disorder, finding that the condition is aggravated by his psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and major depressive disorder. The rating for right elbow bursitis remains denied. Service connection is denied for left hip disability, right hip disability, and lumbosacral strain.

Service connection for major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder is granted as a new claim, effective November 1, 2012.

The Veteran's appeals regarding his right shoulder, low back, left foot, and major depressive disorder claims have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and an unresolved in-service stressor claim. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and Depression are being reviewed.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder were caused by chronic pain associated with his service-connected bilateral knee and right wrist disorders, and the Board granted service connection for these conditions as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, is remanded due to insufficient information on the relationship between his current condition and service. Additional evidence must be obtained and a VA examination conducted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied in March 2015, but granted with an effective date of August 24, 2016. The Board found that the symptoms warranting a 70% rating were not present prior to this date.