Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal of an earlier effective date for depression and anxiety was withdrawn. The claim to reopen her service connection for residuals, back injury is granted. Her case is remanded for a VA examination regarding the etiology of her current back disability.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for varicose veins of the right leg due to new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for other conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck cyst and depression, as they are related to his in-service treatment. The VA will obtain medical records and provide the Veteran with an examination to determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board dismissed the claims for diabetes mellitus and temporary total evaluation due to hospital treatment in excess of 21 days. The claim for service connection for depression was reopened, but not granted. The claim for PTSD was also reopened, but not granted. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability including depression, anxiety, and insomnia is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's depression is caused or aggravated by his service-connected prostate cancer and related issues.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, but a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to December 22, 2010 was denied because the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities rendered him incapable of performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions and service. The Veteran needs to provide authorization for VA to obtain private treatment records, and a VA examiner is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression. The evidence shows situational anxiety and feelings of sadness but no clinical diagnosis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen her claim for service connection of Major Depressive Disorder and has determined that she is entitled to service connection based on evidence showing a direct relationship between her in-service experiences and her current condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, and he is granted a TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The AOJ is required to verify her service in the United States Army Reserve and/or Vermont Air National Guard, obtain records from Walson Army Hospital at Fort Dix, New Jersey, military police report dated in October 1968, Inspector General complaint records, private psychiatric treatment records from Dr. S.B.G., and abortion records from the Women's Health Center in Colchester, Vermont.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder). The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, major depressive disorder (MDD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has been reopened. The appeal is granted to this extent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder are related to an in-service personal assault. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of reopening his service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD) secondary to service-connected sinusitis. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, bilateral plantar fasciitis, rectal polyp, and major depressive disorder. Additional evidence is needed, including VA and private treatment records, and a new examination may be required.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of various conditions, including bilateral shoulder, hip, knee, ankle disabilities and depression. The claims for left ear hearing loss were reopened based on new evidence received since the April 1985 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD, with a current diagnosis and established link to his combat service. The decision is based on equipoise evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for tinnitus, major depressive disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), left shoulder condition, sleep apnea, cold injury residuals of the extremities, adenitis tuberculosis, and skin condition due to outstanding VA medical records.