Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU prior to May 19, 2011 have been dismissed as he has indicated satisfaction with the current decisions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnoses of PTSD and depressive disorder are due to stressful events in service, and therefore grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and service personnel records that need to be obtained, as well as a new VA examination for clarification of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability(ies).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including dysthymic disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of anxiety disorder related to his military service.

The Veteran's MDD and NOS were granted a 30% rating from June 19, 2013 to May 8, 2016, and a 50% rating thereafter. The earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to an effective date earlier than May 24, 2016 for PTSD with MDD and service connection for hypertension. The issue of TDIU prior to May 24, 2016 is also being remanded as it may be affected by the earlier effective date issue.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for further examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder claims, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and mood disorder, NOS, should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions. The case will need to be reviewed with consideration of all available records, including VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as any outstanding service personnel records.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient examination reports and the need for additional records, particularly from a private psychiatrist.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral rotator cuff tear, bilateral torn plantar fascia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for depressive disorder and bilateral eye disability due to lack of current diagnosis. The case is being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU were denied as there is no effective date prior to September 27, 2011.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected migraines and depression, but needs further examination and evidence to determine this definitively.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disability, and depression have been granted. The claim for an initial rating of 20 percent for left shoulder disability has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for more information regarding in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and the need for additional development regarding a claimed in-service personal assault stressor. The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is now pending.

The Veteran's depressive disorder disability is rated at 30 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for further evaluation due to increased severity since his last VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient verification of in-service stressors reported by the Veteran, and for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, depressive disorder, alcohol abuse disorder, and cannabis use disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service sexual assault.