Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for depressive disorder NOS, thoracic dextro scoliosis, lower back disorder, IBS, GERD and DJD of the bilateral knees. The Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence, particularly regarding a VA examination scheduled in December 2017. The Veteran's failure to report for this examination is being reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety), tinnitus, but denied service connection for residuals of a TBI, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, a back disorder, residuals of burns on the neck, and migraines.

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD and whether his current psychiatric conditions are related to service. The case will be remanded.

The Veteran withdrew all issues in appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and alcohol use disorder. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant records, including military personnel records and STRs, and schedule a comprehensive examination to determine the nature and etiology of any such disorders.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was initially rated at 50 percent prior to February 12, 2016. From that date, the rating was increased to 100 percent. The appeal is mixed as some issues were granted and others denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for hypertension and a TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn both appeals.

The Veteran's claims for GERD, Anxiety Disorder with Depression, and Bilateral Lower Extremity Radiculopathy were granted. The claim for Right Hip Avascular Necrosis, Status Post Total Hip Replacement was dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal. The Adjustment Disorder with Depressed and Anxious Mood claim was also granted.

The Veteran's MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also received a TDIU from June 3, 2014 to August 2, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a direct or secondary relationship to her service-connected left knee disability.

Service connection for a bilateral ankle disorder, lung disorder, and scars of the forearm and ankles is denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depression) is granted.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and PTSD are granted service connection, with the effective date set at March 9, 2011.

The Veteran withdrew all his pending appeals, including those for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and coronary artery disease.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to the need for additional examinations and evidence submission.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was dismissed as moot. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is granted. A TDIU is granted. The claims for hepatitis C and initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms were incurred during his military service. The case is remanded for further action including assigning a disability rating and readjudicating the claim for TDIU.

The Board has denied service connection for mixed hyperlipidemia, major depressive disorder, and hypercalcemia. The remaining issues are remanded due to the need for additional records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder is denied. A total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.