Depression decisions — 2018

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for major depression, finding no new and material evidence to support the claim.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is granted as service connected due to the occurrence of a stressor related to his military service in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War.

The Veteran's hypertension was not found to warrant a compensable rating, and the service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition (including depression and anxiety) is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic back pain has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her claim.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress, due to MST, was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence linking current psychiatric conditions to military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not secondary to his service-connected depressive disorder, but an addendum opinion is needed to determine if it is aggravated by this condition.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, Anxiety Disorder, and Depressive Disorder is granted. The case is remanded to obtain a new VA examination regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, was rated at 50 percent prior to September 18, 2014. Since then, the evidence shows symptoms warranting a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of head trauma, scar on top of the head, and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Service connection is denied for loss of vision and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in details of the Veteran's in-service stressor and difficulties in obtaining corroborating records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's knee, foot, ankle, and psychiatric disabilities are being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their etiology.,The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to assess the nature and severity of his claimed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and depressive disorder. The Veteran's current conditions were not related to his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his military service and his current mental health conditions.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development due to conflicting medical records and the need for clarification of past suicidal ideation.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including PTSD and dysthymia, is currently rated at 50 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for unspecified depressive disorder prior to November 3, 2015 is remanded due to incomplete treatment records. The issue of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is also remanded as it may be impacted by the outcome of the depression claim.

The Veteran's depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. A 70 percent evaluation is granted for the period prior to January 10, 2014.,Beginning April 2014, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded substantially gainful employment. TDIU is granted effective April 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for further examination regarding psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD with depression and anxiety, due to lack of a valid diagnosis. The Veteran's right knee condition was remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to allow for further development.