Depression decisions — 2018

The claim of service connection for a back disability has been denied as new and material evidence was not presented. The increased rating for major depressive disorder and the TDIU claim are both remanded due to lack of recent VA examination.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to decide the claims and requires further development. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, polysubstance abuse versus dependence, psychotic disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, MDD, bipolar disorder, substance induced psychosis/delirium, and personality disorders are remanded for additional examination and consideration of all available records.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for PTSD with depressive disorder and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The claims will be readjudicated in light of new evidence, including a VA examination from January 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, secondary to diabetes mellitus type II is granted. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, secondary to service-connected disabilities is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disorder, alcoholism, and panic disorder with associated depression and agoraphobia are granted. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxiety and depression has rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination to determine if he has any current psychiatric disorders and whether they are related to his service. The hearing loss claim also requires a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depression due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on his assertions of in-service trauma.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,No new and material evidence was received to reopen any of the previously denied claims.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is not related to a service-connected disability or otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 2, 2001, for the award of service connection for depressive disorder was denied. The earliest indication of a claim seeking this benefit is dated October 2, 2001.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a retrospective medical opinion regarding his major depressive disorder prior to May 6, 2015 and for the effective date of TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been rated at 70 percent since September 22, 2015. The Board found that the overall social and occupational impairment caused by his disability most nearly approximates a rating of 70 percent but not higher. Service connection for diabetes as a result of herbicide exposure is remanded due to lack of verification of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims. The Board also found that there is no link between the claimed conditions and service.

The Veteran was granted an initial 40 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy from August 30, 2013. He is also granted a 40 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy.,An effective date earlier than February 3, 2014, for service connection of major depressive disorder was denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate or incomplete examination reports and because there is evidence of a relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and requests for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying in-service stressors.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety, was granted a disability rating of 50 percent from September 12, 2014 to October 19, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and if it is related to an in-service stressor. The Veteran needs to be examined by a psychiatrist to clarify these points.