Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the case for further investigation and examination regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor involving his friend's death, as well as a psychiatric VA examination if the stressor is verified.

The appeals have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. Service connection for left lower extremity neuropathy and right lower extremity neuropathy are denied, while a rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 28, 2017, is denied, but from that date a 40 percent rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination findings, lack of VA treatment records, and need for further medical opinions regarding the etiology of any present psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder did not manifest in service and is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD is granted. Service connection for COPD and migraines are remanded, as well as the issue of special monthly compensation for aid and attendance and/or housebound.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, depression, and hypertension have been denied. The claim for schizoaffective disorder is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as it is at least as likely as not related to active service, specifically the U.S.S. Saratoga accident.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder have been rated at 70 percent since December 2003. The Board finds that the current symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is characterized by marked knee disability, and he is granted a separate rating of 30 percent from July 30, 2009 forward for the right knee instability. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression and PTSD is granted an increased rating of 70 percent from February 28, 2011 forward.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, but denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, residuals of a stroke, OSA, neuropathy, gastrointestinal disorder, and hiatal hernia. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Board has remanded the claims for extraschedular evaluation, evaluations in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including paranoid schizophrenia, finding that the Veteran's current mental health conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) prior to May 18, 2015, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter is denied. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are missing, and thus remands the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression. Additionally, a new VA audiological evaluation is needed to assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD) and major depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent, but the appeal is denied for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma is not service-connected, and his PTSD with depression warrants a 70% rating prior to April 10, 2014. The case is remanded for further clarification on TDIU.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism has been remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of her digestive symptoms. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating for hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with dysthymic disorder and recurrent major depression was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied because he could still engage in substantially gainful employment.