Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The appeal is granted as it relates to this issue.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression). The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus was found to be caused by military noise exposure. Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD and depression.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including unspecified depressive disorder, anxiety, and mild cognitive impairment. The case is remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and SSA records, and to schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder (unspecified depressive disorder) is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board has denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or approximate those required for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder/dysthymic mood, is rated at 50 percent. The Board finds that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 70% or higher rating.

Your appeals have been dismissed as you withdrew your claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU. The VA examinations are inadequate for the issues of increased ratings for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective January 11, 2011. The Board also granted an effective date of January 11, 2011 for a TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

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

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD was previously denied in November 1992. The Board has now reopened the claim due to new and material evidence, but the issue of whether PTSD is related to service remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for Dercum's disease, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disability (depression) due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of these conditions during active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions and insufficient evidence. The low back condition claim requires a new VA opinion, while the psychiatric disability claim needs verification of service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has found that service connection is not warranted for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including hypoglycemia, weight loss, diverticulitis, bilateral eye/vision condition (no tears), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded to determine if there are any additional medical records or evidence that could support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is about the initial rating for his depressive disorder and whether he qualifies for TDIU. The case has been remanded due to additional evidence being added to the record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as schizophrenia and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a more thorough discussion of his in-service symptoms and their relation to his current condition.

The Veteran's claims for TMJ disorder, bilateral knee arthralgias, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) have been granted. The issues of right shoulder disorder, cervicalgia, and thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for a higher rating for low back syndrome and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, as well as the initial rating for depressive disorder. Additionally, service connection for diabetes is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure a complete record and to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused and aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea. The restoration of the 30 percent disability rating for left knee degenerative changes is granted, as are separate ratings for painful limitation of extension of both knees and symptomatic semilunar cartilage removal of the left knee.