Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has denied a compensable rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome and has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability has been reopened, but the effective date remains August 13, 2014.,An earlier effective date for tinnitus is denied as no evidence prior to August 13, 2014 indicates an intent to pursue this claim.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left shoulder strain and acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and adjustment disorder with disturbance of emotions and conduct. The severance of service connection for right shoulder strain is also being considered.,Issues related to initial compensable ratings for neck scar and pseudofolliculitis barbae are also pending.

The Veteran's VA treatment records from the period on appeal are not fully available, and a remand is required to obtain these records in order to determine if he was entitled to a 100 percent rating prior to September 29, 2016.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher evaluations on several of his service-connected conditions, including degenerative disc disease with spondylosis, lumbosacral spine; left knee tendonitis; right knee tendonitis; left ankle strain; and right ankle strain. The appeal regarding unspecified depressive disorder was granted.

The Board dismissed all appeals regarding the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as he withdrew his appeals in May 2016. The Veteran was granted a TDIU from July 26, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is dismissed, and his appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder (which includes PTSD) is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective from November 9, 2010. Additionally, the Veteran was awarded TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic acquired psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and unspecified depressive disorder.,Service connection is established for bilateral hearing loss due to the Veteran's exposure to noise during active service.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's need for aid and attendance began on September 11, 2009, due to her severe physical and mental disabilities caused by a Staph infection. As of this date, she required regular assistance from another person.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of infection during VA treatment in 2003, finding no additional disability related to the treatment.

Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder.,Service connection is granted for a headache disorder.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and inadequate examination reports. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records, including those from SSA and VA facilities, and schedule a VA examination to assess the severity of his low back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate examination opinions. The Veteran is required to undergo another VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to service, including acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's claim for tinnitus and sleep apnea was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure or symptoms. The psychiatric disability, diagnosed as adjustment disorder with major depressive disorder with psychotic features, was granted as it began during service and is related to her migraines.,A 50% rating for migraines has been granted effective December 2, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's conditions and their relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD, MDD, and alcohol dependence have not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent from April 1, 2010, to June 3, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD and anxiety, is dismissed because the issue has been granted in a January 2017 rating decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder. The claims of service connection for a back disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a dental condition, and bilateral hearing loss are all remanded due to the need for additional examinations.