Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection, evaluation, and effective date have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent evaluation of PTSD and depressive disorder not otherwise specified with alcohol abuse (previously diagnosed as insomnia) is denied. The earliest effective date granted was April 8, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, emphysema, radiculopathy of the left and right upper extremities, internal hemorrhoids, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and major depressive disorder. The Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder from February 20, 2015.

The Veteran's situational phobia of enclosed spaces is granted service connection. The cases for liver cancer and persistent depressive disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected depression is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of evidence showing symptoms warranting a 70% or higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and conflicting medical opinions. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, depression as secondary to hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, and sleep disturbances/insomnia as secondary to GERD are all being reviewed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran will need to provide more accurate information about his symptoms and functional impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has worsened since the last examination, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including Major Depressive Disorder and anxiety, are granted as service connected. The claims for bilateral knee condition, vertigo, acid reflux, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Board found no evidence of a current acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and Depression, meeting the diagnostic criteria set forth in the DSM. The Veteran's diagnoses were speculative or not based on VA examinations designed to determine if he met these criteria.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, low back disability, and major depressive disorder have been granted service connection. The initial rating for his low back disability has been increased to 40 percent effective April 24, 2018, and he is now rated at 70 percent for his major depressive disorder. He also received a TDIU based on both disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD has been granted a 70 percent rating from October 27, 2014. The evidence supports the finding of total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriate and effectively, and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living.

Service connection is denied for a right ear hearing loss disability, hyperlipidemia, asthma, hypertension, major depressive disorder, left hamstring tendonitis, and mechanical low back strain.,The Veteran's claims are remanded to obtain additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 15, 2012 for the grant of service connection for unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder in remission is denied. The case is also remanded for a rating in excess of 50 percent for his psychiatric condition.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim for a sleep disorder secondary to service-connected major depressive disorder. The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) has now remanded the case for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. However, additional development is needed as a VA examination is required to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability has worsened, and he testified that he stopped working in approximately 1995. The Board notes the need for a new examination to determine the current functional impact of his service-connected disabilities, including his acquired psychiatric disorder diagnosed as mood disorder and depression, residuals of cold injury of both feet, and right and left foot hypesthesia.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to missing records and need for further examination. The claims will be reconsidered with additional evidence.