Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD was denied in a December 2012 rating decision, which became final. New evidence submitted since that decision does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, as well as CAD secondary to herbicide agent exposure, are being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence regarding his reported stressors. Additionally, a VA examination is required to determine whether he now has a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service and the VA clinicians have concluded that he experienced racial assaults during his time in service.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to a service-connected disability. The Veteran's claim is also being remanded for increased ratings on various conditions and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to January 30, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for unspecified bipolar disorder with alcohol use disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination.

The Veteran’s major depressive disorder with dysthymia, alcohol abuse in remission and cognitive disorder due to cerebrovascular accident is rated at 70 percent since November 28, 2012.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for left upper extremity muscle weakness was denied as it was received more than one year after separation from service.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for left lower extremity muscle weakness was denied as it was received more than one year after separation from service.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for impaired swallowing with dysarthria due to cerebrovascular accident was denied as it was received more than one year after separation from service.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for service-connected post-concussive headaches and PTSD with major depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, was granted an initial rating of 50 percent prior to March 2, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD and Depression due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. Additional VA treatment records are needed, and a new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, while the depression with social phobia is rated at 70 percent. A TDIU was granted from February 26, 2013 to June 29, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence being submitted by the Veteran, which requires a review of all evidence received since the August 2017 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to her service-connected tinnitus.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to her bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal for all issues currently before the Board.

Your claim for service connection for major depressive disorder has been granted, and you are now receiving the benefits. The issue is dismissed as there's no longer a pending appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine disability, left and right arm numbness and tingling, and psychiatric disability due to insufficient development of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU has been dismissed. The Board is remanding the cases to obtain an opinion regarding whether the Veteran’s sleep apnea is secondary to his Major Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder and for TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further evaluation of his current condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fatigue is denied.,An evaluation of 70 percent, but no higher, for major depressive disorder with PTSD and insomnia disorder prior to December 15, 2016, is granted. An evaluation greater than 70 percent thereafter is denied.