Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, judgment, thinking, and mood. A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted prior to November 2, 2017.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with depression), and alcohol and cannabis disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder and PTSD secondary to MST has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and neurobehavioral effects (including depression) due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD, depression, and diabetes mellitus due to incomplete development of evidence. The Veteran's stressors need to be verified, his psychiatric records should be obtained, and a VA examination is required to determine the etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders and diabetes.

The Veteran's heart disability (including coronary artery disease), hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder are granted as presumptively related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD with other specified depressive disorder was found to cause occupational and social impairment, but not severe enough for a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for an initial compensable rating for chronic major depression is remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and updated records.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and obstructive sleep apnea, both found to be aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities. The issues of increased ratings for left and right knee patellar tendonitis, service connection for supraventricular arrhythmia and high blood pressure are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and alcohol use disorder has been rated at 70 percent since March 26, 2012. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for anxiety and depression, and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety) based on new evidence provided by a private doctor.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder, with depression and anxiety, has been found to warrant a 70 percent evaluation since August 7, 2009.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, and service connection for bipolar disorder is granted as secondary to a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is in remission and not currently causing renal dysfunction. His erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Veteran has sleep impairment secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, which is already considered under the current rating for his depressive disorder. No other conditions have been granted or denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is related to his service. Service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea are also granted as they are considered direct service-connected based on their relationship to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, deviated septum, and depression. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development and consideration.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral flat feet and a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder). The issue of effective date earlier than November 1, 2011, for the addition of a dependent child to VA compensation benefits is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The evidence now shows that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service in Vietnam, which raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain medical opinions addressing whether the Veteran's conditions are related to his service.