Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has restored service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than MDD, including PTSD. The decision is based on the Veteran's inconsistent statements regarding his pre-service history of depression.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression and PTSD. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for skin rashes and sciatica are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including back disability, neck disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, left hand arthritis, and bilateral shoulder disability. The evidence did not meet the criteria for establishing service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are etiologically related to an in-service assault. The claims of entitlement to service connection for a sleep disorder (including Sleep Apnea) and right ankle disorder remain pending.

Service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the upper left and right extremities is restored, with an effective date from June 4, 2013.,The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for depressive disorder NOS (including PTSD) is denied.

The Veteran's depression is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has found that he is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his disability. The case is remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and whether any overlapping symptoms are attributable to Parkinson's disease.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a right knee disability and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression). The claims for service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and a right leg skin condition are all remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have at least as likely as not prevented her from engaging in substantially gainful employment since November 21, 2011. The Board finds TDIU is warranted as of November 21, 2011 based on the evidence currently of record.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for major depression and a TDIU have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is granted as service connected due to in-service traumatic events.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is denied as he did not serve in combat and has no credible verified stressor. The claim for secondary service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic features is granted due to aggravation by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with intermittent explosive disorder and cannabis use disorder is rated at 70 percent since February 19, 2016. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted from the same date.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need to obtain private treatment records from Dr. K.U. and to schedule a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD with history of depression and mild alcohol use disorder is rated at a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is being remanded for further development, including obtaining treatment records from the Manhattan Vet Center and providing an addendum medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Board also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further stressor verification regarding the 1987 missile handling mishap and the shipboard fire in 1984. Additionally, a new VA examination is needed to assess his psychiatric disorder(s) and GERD.