Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and manic depression.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are remanded to obtain VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was rated at 50 percent from March 26, 2012 to December 19, 2014 and at 70 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.,PTSD with depression has been characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since December 19, 2014.

The appeal for service connection of a cervical spine disorder is dismissed.,Service connection granted for GERD and acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis and major depression with personality disorder has been reopened, and the claims are granted. The Board requested additional medical opinions to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, a hole in the lung, and an acquired psychiatric disorder including depression and anxiety as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD resulting from military sexual trauma, is remanded due to insufficient credible supporting evidence and conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has decided that a more contemporaneous VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of PTSD and major depressive disorder, as well as whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or maintaining employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and a depressive disorder, are related to his service in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is proximately due to or the direct result of his service-connected knee and back disabilities, thus granting service connection for depression.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to incomplete development of records and inadequate statement of reasons and bases for denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic features, Anxiety Disorder not otherwise specified, and PTSD, is related to his service. The preponderance of evidence supports this finding.

The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities is rated at 40 percent since July 2, 2015. Service connection for anxiety, depression, and PTSD has been granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded his claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional evidence or attend VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, as his symptoms do not cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. Service connection is also granted for these conditions as they are found to be related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence being added to the record after a Substantive Appeal was filed. The VA treatment records are relevant and must be considered in an SSOC.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was granted. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was denied. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, linked to PTSD, was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 50 percent prior to July 30, 2014. From April 8, 2016, a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD is granted.