Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, as well as his GERD and depressive disorder have been evaluated but none of the conditions meet the criteria for a higher rating.,All issues related to increased ratings for the Veteran's knee disabilities, GERD, and depressive disorder were denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a headache disorder, as well as the claim for TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran needs to undergo new VA examinations to address these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, unspecified personality disorder, and PTSD, finding no valid in-service stressor event to support a diagnosis of PTSD. The VA medical opinions concluded that his anxiety and depressive disorders were unrelated to his service.

The Veteran's major depression is granted as it is proximately due to, aggravated by, or the result of his service-connected seizure disorder.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, right and left hand carpal tunnel syndromes, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and anemia are all denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for depression as secondary to service-connected residuals of circumcision is granted. The claim for residuals from a scorpion sting to the male reproductive organ is also granted, but only partially since it was previously denied. The claims for headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence on file for the Board to make a decision on the claim. The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is now pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression, cervical spine conditions, and left shoulder injury, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been rated at a 70 percent disability rating throughout the period of the claim. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder is reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The appeal remains pending as the Board has not decided on the merits of these claims.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder. The VA will obtain updated treatment records and provide an addendum medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and MDD, as well as for obtaining all relevant medical records from SSA.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for additional medical opinion.

The Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal on all issues related to service connection and rating for various disabilities, including low back disability, arthritis, depression, restless leg syndrome, and residuals of syphilis.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted service connection, but his PTSD claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected erectile dysfunction was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 60 percent for his service-connected amputation of the left forearm pronator teres.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities were granted effective August 1, 2014. He also has a claim for an earlier effective date which is being remanded.,The Veteran's new claim for service connection for heart condition was denied. His hypertension, COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, prostate cancer, and tinnitus claims are all pending.,A total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is also being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective December 13, 2012. Prior to this date, the rating for PTSD was denied.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include major depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorder. An effective date prior to November 5, 2009 for service connection was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened and granted. The Board found new and material evidence to support the reopening of his claims, including treatment records indicating a diagnosis of PTSD. Secondary service connection was also granted for GERD. Other issues were remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his anxiety disorder and depression has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.