Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's IBS is granted as secondary to her service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder. Her total hysterectomy remains at a 30% rating, with no change in the effective date.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if he has these conditions and whether they are related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been denied as there is no credible stressor supporting the claimed in-service events and his current diagnoses are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder is secondary to his service-connected residuals of a penile implant surgery caused by urethroplasty and IPP removal, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including hip disabilities and psychiatric disorders, have been reopened. The cases are remanded to determine the appropriate service connection based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for major depressive disorder with dysthymia from July 1, 1996 to September 5, 2009. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent thereafter is dismissed.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and OSA. The issues of right knee disability, low back disability, and right foot or ankle disability are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD with major depressive disorder and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to a lack of current evidence reflecting their severity.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and panic disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychological disorder, including major depressive disorder, was granted. The claims to reopen PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder were also granted.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for right ankle and wrist conditions, but has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be the primary cause of his headaches and acquired psychiatric disorder, leading to a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including chronic adjustment disorder and depression, is rated at 70 percent for the period beginning November 7, 2013. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, alcohol dependence, and drug dependence, is related to his service. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder, are found to have their onset during service. The dementia is not considered secondary to the service-connected PTSD or other acquired mental disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee strain residuals, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder to include a depressive disorder are granted. The Veteran's claim for gastrointestinal and sleep disorders is remanded due to incomplete military records.

The Board has expanded the claim to include an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a new examination is required due to the inadequate opinion from the May 2014 VA psychologist. The Veteran's self-reported symptoms of depression at separation are relevant to her current claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her bilateral knee conditions and other health issues, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development and consideration.