Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and insufficient verification of his claimed stressors. The Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination and an attempt at verifying his service-connected stressors.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records, specifically VA treatment records from September 2010 forward. The Veteran is advised to provide these records.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder. The issues of service connection for gout, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type 2, and heart disorder are remanded. Service connection for TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for diverticulitis, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression), headaches, and sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset or relationship to service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis, high blood pressure, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an adjustment disorder with depressed mood is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and panic disorder are granted as service-connected due to in-service stressors involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evidence.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and an acquired psychiatric disability (including major depressive disorder) was granted. The effective date of the grant of service connection for these conditions is August 31, 2012.,An initial rating in excess of 70 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability has been denied.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is granted as service-connected due to acoustic trauma sustained in active service.,The Veteran's near continuous thirst is not considered a separate disability for compensation purposes and thus denied.,The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD with depression, mood disturbances, anger, and panic attacks and therefore not separately service-connected.,The Veteran's left arm disability remains in dispute and requires further examination and evidence.,The Veteran's sleep disability (specifically sleep apnea) is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology, including consideration of herbicide exposure during service.,The Veteran's prostate disability and left-hand skin disability are both remanded for a VA examination to determine their etiologies, including consideration of herbicide exposure during service.,reasoning_summary

The Veteran's claim for service connection of major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the issue was fully granted in a previous decision. The Board also remanded the case to consider an increased rating for low back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder have rendered him unable to protect himself from daily living hazards, requiring regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia and depression, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations related to his hearing loss, sleep apnea, heart disease, prostate cancer, stroke, and psychiatric disorders. The effective date of service connection remains unresolved.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied, but a new effective date of April 25, 2011, and an increased rating to 70 percent were granted.,PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9411, which considers occupational and social impairment.

The Board's May 1, 2018 decision denying service connection for depression is vacated due to the submission of new and material evidence prior to the decision. The case is remanded for further review.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder disability, lumbar spine arthritis, and depression. The Veteran's disabilities were not found to be related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression. The decision also remanded the issue of service connection for right hip replacement status post right hip degenerative joint disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, requiring a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, major depression, psychosis, and PTSD. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to service.