Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions, and for obtaining updated treatment records. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a higher rating for residuals of TBI are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders is being remanded due to the need for further evidence and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided are inadequate for adjudication purposes and this claim must be remanded in order to afford the Veteran another VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are granted as secondary to her service-connected back disability. The rating for her lumbar spine disability remains at 20 percent.

Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically unspecified depressive disorder. The Veteran's heart disability and PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for major depressive disorder is granted, and he is also granted an increased rating for his left knee disabilities. The issues of service connection for cervical spine disability, GERD, and lumbar spine disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether a psychiatric disability incurred in service contributed to cause or aggravate the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his service. The Veteran was stationed aboard USS Wilkinson during his active duty and reported two in-service stressors: firing of guns while he was on board and a fire that resulted in the death of two soldiers.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was denied in 2012. The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The back, knee, and psychiatric disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder, NOS (also evaluated as depressive disorder and bipolar disorder) is rated at 100 percent since December 5, 2008.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral mixed hearing loss at the March 2018 Board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including major depressive disorder) as secondary to a service-connected back disability and denied service connection for chronic pain syndrome.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as a skin disability, have been denied. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability (PTSD and depression) has been granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability is pending and will be remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, residuals of trauma with strain right shoulder, residuals of trauma with cervical spine degenerative disease, and residuals of trauma with headaches. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and anxiety, prostate cancer (secondary to depression and anxiety), bone metastases (secondary to prostate cancer), special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance of another person, and the Veteran's cause of death. The causes are all related to conditions incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent effective from September 23, 2014 to October 26, 2015. The Veteran experienced total social and occupational impairment during this period.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need to consider whether the Veteran is eligible for a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder with depression, effective November 15, 1984. The Veteran's current condition is considered to have started during his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU related to his major depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a VA examination.