Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation for any period on appeal.

The Board has determined that new examinations are needed for the Veteran's service-connected pain disorder with depression, right knee DJD, cervical spine disability, and migraine headaches with vertigo. The claims of service connection for left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, and PTSD have also been remanded.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for left wrist scars, dermatitis of bilateral lower extremities, a lower abdominal muscle strain, respiratory disorder (rhinitis and sinusitis), and an acquired psychiatric condition. The Veteran's claim for service connection is pending.

The Veteran's claim for a higher monetary payment based on TDIU has no legal merit.,Criteria for an earlier effective date prior to February 14, 2013, for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder with PTSD have not been met.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted.,The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for a right knee disability was granted.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence, but the case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and private treatment records to be considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions, including PTSD. The VA needs to verify in-service stressors and obtain additional medical opinions on the nature and etiology of any diagnosed disorders.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, including symptoms such as depressed mood, flashbacks, anxiety, and suspiciousness, warrants a 70 percent disability rating throughout the appeal period. The symptoms do not meet criteria for a total disability rating due to lack of danger of hurting self or others.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a low back condition and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression). The Veteran's statements about his in-service experiences are not credible, so the claims will be remanded to obtain clarifying opinions from medical providers.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are not ready for decision due to a lack of certain records. The VA is instructed to obtain any relevant Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as any private treatment records or lay statements from the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, conduct a psychiatric examination using the DSM-5 criteria, and determine if sleep apnea is related to his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is granted as service connected, with the Board finding it at least as likely as not that he currently has this condition due to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation (secondary to obstructive sleep apnea), and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by medical opinions that link these conditions to his active duty service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, leaving no issues for the Board to review.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder is granted. The initial rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss remains at noncompensable (0%). A higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied. Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression as secondary to his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, and for TDIU due to service-connected disability. The Veteran will need a VA examination to address these issues.

The Board has decided the case in favor of the Veteran, finding sufficient evidence to warrant a VA examination and remanding for further action.

The Board has denied service connection for breathing difficulties, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including manic depression, alcohol abuse, mood disorder and sleep disorder), a sleep disorder, vertigo with dizziness, and headaches. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board denied requests for earlier effective dates for service connection decisions related to COPD, CHF, and MDD. The claims were granted based on the date of receipt of the applications.