Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected low back and lower extremity disabilities are found to be the primary cause of his mood disorder with anxiety, which is granted as secondary service connection.

The Veteran's low back disability, depression disorder NOS, and chronic spinal headaches have been found to meet the criteria for a TDIU.,The Veteran has service-connected disabilities that combine to at least 70 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn and the claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, as well as initial rating claims, are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, and for a higher rating for tinnitus was denied. The Board found that there is no legal basis for an assignment of a schedular rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the claims for a new examination and opinions regarding service connection for psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder NOS and insomnia disorder, as secondary to service-connected hepatitis C. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for major depression, anxiety, sleeping problems, and irritability as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spondylosis and strain/myositis has been dismissed. The appeal for a rating in excess of 60 percent for his service-connected lumbar spondylosis and strain/myositis has also been dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression, mood disorders, adjustment disorder, and PTSD are remanded. His claim for service connection for depression under 38 U.S.C. § 1702 is also remanded. The right shoulder disability and right shoulder scar ratings are remanded as well. TDIU is also remanded.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.,The claim for service connection for burns of the head and face is reopened, but further development is needed to determine its merits.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent disabling, and the appeal for a higher rating is denied. The Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, particularly his PTSD. The Veteran is asked to provide information about any treatment and to have stressor verification conducted by JSSRC. A VA examination will be scheduled to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The issues include whether new evidence was received to reopen a respiratory disability claim, service connection for psychiatric disorders including depression and nervous conditions, thyroid disability, and arthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be directly related to his reported in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The initial rating for PTSD, unspecified psychotic disorder, and unspecified depressive disorder prior to July 12, 2017 was denied. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to November 15, 2017 is also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied service connection claims for hypogonadism, mood disorder, and depressive disorder. The claim for sleep apnea is also granted as secondary to the service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for updated VA mental health treatment records and a psychiatric examination.

The Board has denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between any current disability and military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been remanded due to insufficient information or need for further evaluation. The initial rating for tardive dyskinesia remains at 10 percent, depression with anxiety is rated as 30 percent prior to January 7, 2011, and 70 percent after that date. Service connection for left ear hearing loss, seizure disorder, and diabetes mellitus is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for various conditions are denied as the evidence does not support her contention that these conditions were caused by VA negligence or lack of care.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the veteran's depressive disorder and his service.