Depression decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD, finding that the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding of such a condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and eating disorder has rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent throughout the appeal period, effective from August 30, 2016. The Board found that his symptoms met the criteria for a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and evaluations to address inconsistencies in his diagnoses and treatment records, particularly regarding lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral pes planus, and major depressive disorder. The appeals are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and review of submitted evidence.,The Veteran is seeking an increase in his rating for diabetic nephropathy. The Board finds that a new examination is needed as his diabetes has worsened, and this condition is intertwined with his nephropathy.,The Veteran seeks increased ratings for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type two. His claim will be remanded due to the need for an updated examination.,The Veteran claims entitlement to a higher rating for bronchial asthma, which has not been evaluated in over 8 years. A new examination is needed.,The Veteran alleges CUE in his service connection denial for depression and sleep apnea. His claim will be remanded as the issue of service connection remains pending.,The Veteran claims entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, which was denied due to CUE. The claim will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include depression and PTSD, and for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease; lumbar myositis; multilevel lumbar disc disease with disc protrusion at L4-L5 level and Schmorl's node and disc bulge at L5-S1 level for the period prior to January 25, 2012. The Veteran is required to undergo further medical examinations and provide additional information regarding his service-connected conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a headache disability and granted it. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) is remanded.

The Veteran's depression and anxiety were rated at 30% prior to October 10, 2013. The Board found the evidence supported a higher rating of 70%, but not higher, for this period.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder and opioid use disorder in sustained remission. The Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service assault, and his major depressive disorder and opioid use disorder are secondary to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The VA is required to obtain additional medical records, complete employment information, and verify the Veteran's reported stressors.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including sleep disorder, hypertension, right eye disorder, heart disorder, kidney disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The cases are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a left wrist and hand injury, headaches, musculoskeletal pain, dizziness, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), irregular heartbeat condition, skin condition, memory loss and concentration issues, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and post-traumatic stress disorder are all granted. The Veteran's service connection claims for his Gulf War-related conditions are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his low back disability, sleep apnea, and psychiatric disabilities. The VA is required to provide examinations or obtain medical opinions in order to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, initial ratings for his low back and right lower extremity disabilities, and TDIU due to the need for updated examinations and opinions regarding the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,For his MDD, a 70 percent rating, but no higher, has been granted since July 30, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all outstanding records of VA evaluation and treatment since August 2016, provide another opportunity for the Veteran to submit additional evidence, and arrange for a VA examination by a psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and TDIU are remanded due to inconsistencies in VA treatment records and need for a new examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and major depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining updated VA examinations.