Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus partially contributed to his weight gain, which aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Board granted service connection for OSA as secondary to these conditions. However, the Veteran does not have a current seizure disability that is related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a hand disability, low back disability, foot disability, and acquired psychiatric disability (depression). The appeals are being remanded due to missing service treatment records.

The Board has expanded the claim on appeal to one of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnoses include PTSD, major depressive disorder (r/o bipolar disorder), alcohol use disorder, cocaine use disorder, and opioid use disorder. The case is remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining a VA addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disorder.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, claimed as PTSD and depression is granted. A rating of 30 percent for GERD with Barrett’s esophagus and hiatal hernia is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU based on his combined rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, and tinnitus have been reopened. Service connection is granted for tinnitus but denied for chest problems/blood clot in lungs. Other issues are remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and depression, is related to his military service. The Board has determined that service connection for these conditions is warranted.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's current mental health conditions and his military service.

The claim for service connection of left varicocele has been reopened due to new evidence. The claims for joint pain, low back disability, tinnitus, and depression are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depression have been granted. The lumbar spine DDD has a rating of 20 percent, but the right lower extremity radiculopathy does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's right patellar femoral syndrome and major depression have been evaluated, but the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), but denied service connection for a left elbow disability and a skin disorder other than tinea pedis to include Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issue of secondary service connection for alcohol and drug dependence to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left hip disability, right hip disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, low back disability, and depressive disorder have been granted. The decision also remanded the claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for depression. The issue of service connection for bilateral foot/toe fungus is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and depression has been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The issues include PTSD, depression, a respiratory disorder, TBI with insomnia and memory loss, lumbar strain/sprain, cervical DDD, and migraine headaches.

The Board has ordered a new VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, are related to service. The remand also includes efforts to obtain inpatient records from Balboa Naval Hospital.

The Veteran's request for an effective date prior to June 27, 1996 for the award of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder is dismissed as his appeal became final due to non-appeal of a previous decision.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bronchial asthma, COPD, and PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of new evidence. The exposure basis is presumed exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.