Depression decisions — 2018

The claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety disorder and depressive disorder) have been dismissed. The claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder, is rated at 50 percent. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the inadequacy of the VA examination and the need for further development, including obtaining additional evidence.

An effective date prior to March 17, 2011 for the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with depressive disorder) is denied.,An initial rating in excess of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with depressive disorder) is denied.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a heart disorder due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for PVCs, an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), and residuals of TBI.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, heart condition, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and depression have been remanded due to new evidence submitted since the last denial.,Additional searches are needed to verify the Veteran's alleged service in Vietnam.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the rating of his chronic depressive disorder, leaving no issues for the Board to consider.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, other specified trauma disorder, and mild cognitive disorder. Further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disability, hypertension, cervical spine/ neck disability, low back disability, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral arms and hands, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral legs, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral feet disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, thyroid disability, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and acquired psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nervous disorder, anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD with Adjustment Disorder was initially rated at 30 percent prior to March 22, 2016. The rating for his unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress was increased to 50 percent effective March 22, 2016.,Both conditions are rated based on their impact on occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, breathing problems, obstructive sleep apnea, myocardial infarction, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) due to incomplete VA examinations and lack of Social Security records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder. The Veteran's reports of in-service stressors have been found credible, and his current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and memory loss. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression and sinus condition due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The examiner will need to provide a medical opinion regarding whether these conditions are related to his military service, with consideration given to any aggravation or exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Major Depression was denied in 2002 and 2003. The effective date of the grant of service connection is set to November 19, 2009.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to his symptoms not meeting the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to July 20, 2017. From July 20, 2017, the rating remains at 50 percent. The appeal for a higher rating was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his combat experiences in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, dysthymic disorder, and depression) are being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records. The Veteran needs to be provided with a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA is required to provide a medical examination and opinion to determine if the Veteran experienced military sexual trauma during service and whether any current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.