Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to support these claims. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for lumbar spinal stenosis with radiculopathy due to the August 2014 VA spine surgery, but has remanded cases regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric disability and residuals of eye surgery.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent effective May 30, 2004. The Board has remanded the case to consider in-patient mental health treatment records from January to February 2008.,The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU effective May 30, 2004.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his PTSD is denied as the evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but his unemployability is due to his service-connected conditions. The Board finds that referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration of a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for arthritis of the right distal interphalangeal joint, degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, and depression have all been granted. The Board has found that these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation regarding his claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression. Additionally, he needs a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected dermatitis/eczema.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and for TDIU due to the appellant's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The Board finds that an examination is necessary to determine the exact nature and etiology of the appellant’s current psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records, as well as further development of the claim.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and depression is granted, as new evidence has been submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders were related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence meeting VA's definition of impaired hearing. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than MDD, claimed as PTSD, was reopened based on new and material evidence showing potential PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder with alcohol use have been rated at a 70 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, effective prior to August 10, 2011.

The Board has granted service connection for major depression, finding that the current psychiatric symptomatology is caused by the Veteran's active military service and resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine and mid-thoracic degenerative disc disease, residuals of a nose fracture (deviated nasal septum), and depressive disorder. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied. The case is remanded to address the issues of service connection for allergic rhinitis and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for muscle spasms, heart disability, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, hernia, ulcers and an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and depression. The claims are remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various spinal, nerve, joint, and psychiatric disabilities have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeal of these issues. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach issues, PTSD, and MDD with panic disorder due to environmental contaminants at Camp Lejeune are remanded. Additional evidence is needed to determine the relationship between these conditions and exposure to contaminants.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been reopened, but the issues are being remanded due to missing medical records and need for further examinations.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include major depressive disorder (previously shown as major depression with psychosis) due to lack of evidence linking the condition to military service. The claim was reopened based on new evidence, but the Board found no causal relationship between the current psychiatric disability and service.