Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to be examined by VA clinicians to determine the nature, etiology, and severity of his psychiatric conditions and hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The back condition, bilateral foot condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD) are all under review.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for service connection, except for the claim of an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder). The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are associated with his active duty service in Korea.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a left knee disability was granted. His major depressive disorder rating prior to November 17, 2016, is maintained at 10 percent; however, the rating after that date is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, depression, and dental phobia have been granted a rating of 50 percent effective May 1, 2015. The disability is currently rated under the general rating formula for mental disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, but the Board is remanding to obtain additional evidence related to this condition.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability and hepatitis C have also been reopened. The Board is remanding these claims as well due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal of pseudo folliculitis barbae is dismissed. Depression service connection is granted, but the case for diabetes mellitus and low libido are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various psychiatric and physical disabilities, including right shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, left knee pain, right knee pain, sleep apnea, hepatitis C, kidney or renal failure, prostate cancer, and unspecified depressive disorder. The reasons provided include lack of in-service evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board found that his depression did not stem from his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies with the Veteran's mailing address and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including OCD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, as well as alcohol abuse. The case is being returned to the RO for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding the etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and earlier effective dates for major depression with anxiety disorder and tinea pedis. The Veteran's right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities were granted service connection based on in-service injuries.

The Veteran's hypertension, myocardial infarction (coronary heart disease), and major depressive disorder with anxious distress are all granted as service-connected.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor and his current depressive disorder. The claim will be reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and PTSD. The Veteran is required to provide additional information about his alleged stressors, and a VA examination will be conducted to determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to missing VA treatment records, as well as a need for further examination of his lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claim for reopening a previously denied left knee disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depressive disorders, is found to be related to his service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for a personality disorder.,A new and material evidence submission has reopened the claims for residuals of a right thumb sprain and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety and depression).

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression, is granted. The Board found that the Veteran's reported stressor was credible and consistent with his military service, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD.