Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including consideration of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The claim for increased rating for residuals of fracture, little finger right hand remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of tremors and has denied service connection for this condition. The issues of service connection for cervical spine stenosis, cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than depressive disorder (including PTSD and Adjustment Disorder), degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with bilateral radiculopathy, a disability rating in excess of 20 percent prior to April 28, 2010, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar radiculopathy of the left leg, a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar radiculopathy of the right leg, and an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for depressive disorder are all remanded due to incomplete or unclear evidence.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right hip disability and granted a 30 percent rating for allergic rhinitis with hypertrophic turbinates. The claims for service connection for left hip disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression), osteoarthritis and limitation of flexion of the right knee, osteoarthritis and limitation of motion of the left knee, and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine are all remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since March 20, 2009 to June 5, 2014. The evidence does not support a higher rating during this period.

The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder, is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bipolar disorder, as well as to obtain all outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected depression is found to be the principal cause of his death due to cardiopulmonary arrest and pneumonia.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed low back, left hip, right hip, and right knee disabilities as well as his depression, all of which are alleged to be secondary to a nonservice-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and information.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is claimed as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis, chronic frontal sinusitis, and bronchial asthma.,Service connection for depression and hypertension have not been established due to a lack of current diagnoses.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed as the Veteran is already service connected for major depressive disorder.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that there is sufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD related to military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and recurrent depressive disorder, are found to have had their onset during his first period of active duty service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for malignant lymphoma, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and depression. The Board found no current diagnosis of malignant lymphoma or IVDS, and concluded that there was not enough evidence to link the Veteran's depression to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's surviving spouse's claims for Aid and Attendance benefits and nonservice-connected pension benefits due to a lack of evidence demonstrating that the appellant requires aid and attendance or meets other eligibility requirements.

The Veteran's left knee disability, status post TKA is restored to a 60 percent rating effective November 1, 2014. The Veteran also has been granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and depressive disorder NOS are found to be secondary to his service-connected disabilities, specifically his knee disabilities.

The Veteran's MDD and anxiety were not shown during service, nor are they related to his military service. The Board denied the claim for service connection as there is no separate pathology to connect to service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD should be remanded due to lack of adequate VA examinations and outstanding treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, sleep apnea, and major depressive disorder due to incomplete records from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and inconsistent reports within the record regarding these conditions. The VA will need to obtain SSA records and schedule the Veteran for examinations to address inconsistencies in his diagnoses.