Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Major Depressive Disorder and Seizure Disorder, Grand Mal Type render him unemployable, allowing for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to inadequate examinations, and new evidence is needed.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, is granted as service connected.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. The case will be reviewed again with a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, mood lability, grandiosity, impulsivity, mania, isolation, and panic attacks, was found to have started during his active service. The Board granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent effective July 6, 2018. The earlier effective date for the 30 percent rating remains December 9, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition related to an in-service stressor.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left hip arthralgia with arthritic changes is denied due to lack of flexion limited to 30 degrees or more.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, dizziness, and depressive disorder are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability that is related to his military service or any service-connected condition.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be examined by a different examiner and requested an opinion on whether his diagnosed conditions are related to his military service or any in-service event, including witnessed enemy killings at the perimeter, subduing fellow service members, encountering snakes, and experiencing a military sexual trauma.

The Board has denied service connection for a lung disorder, including asbestosis, and an acquired psychiatric disability (depression), finding no evidence of such conditions during or related to active duty. The arthritis claim is remanded due to the lack of a VA examination addressing its etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing dyssomnia was aggravated by his service in Vietnam and that his depression is proximately due to his confirmed service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a right eye disability was granted. Service connection for tinnitus is also granted. The rating for the facial scar below the right eye remains at noncompensable (zero percent).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's claim will be further evaluated with a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, cytologic atypia, thyroid condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and panic disorder), and fibrocystic breast condition. The VA examinations are needed to determine the current severity of her bilateral hearing loss, TBI, ventricular premature complexes, and the nature and etiology of her cytologic atypia, thyroid condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and fibrocystic breast condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's service connection for Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine is remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The remaining issues were remanded for further examination and review.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions. The examiner must also assess whether these conditions are related to service or worsened by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and PTSD), left foot disability, and hypertension have been denied as there is no evidence of such conditions in service or secondary to a service-connected condition.,Service connection cannot be granted because the Veteran has not provided any specific allegations regarding these disabilities. There are also no complaints, treatment records, or diagnoses related to these conditions during service.