Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and examination to address her TBI, left knee strain, migrainous and cervicogenic headaches, and service-connected psychiatric disabilities. The issues of rating the TBI, left knee strain, and migrainous and cervicogenic headaches are currently on appeal.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for arterial hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder should be remanded due to missing records, including SSA disability benefits decision and VA treatment records. The RO/AMC is instructed to seek these records and provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression, is found to be related to his service-connected disabilities and granted.

The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorders not otherwise specified are rated at 70 percent since July 30, 2012. The appeal is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence. However, the issue of whether PTSD is related to military sexual trauma during service remains pending as a remand is required to obtain an updated VA examination using DSM-V criteria.

The Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as the appeal was withdrawn prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition and has determined that there is at least a reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, granting service connection.

The Veteran's MDD with mild neurocognitive disorder and TBI is rated at 100 percent, effective from the date of claim. The right maxillary sinusitis was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability were not incurred in or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is rated at 100 percent due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, need further development. The case will be sent back to VA for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and anxiety, but the case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding a possible diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service assault.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD due to military sexual trauma is denied because there is no corroborated stressor evidence linking the condition to any incident of service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran had a mental health disability at the time of his death and if it was related to military service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including those for service connection and increased ratings. The issues include PTSD, jaw disability, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, bilateral hearing loss, peripheral vestibular disorder, kidney stones, and persistent depressive disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's current mental health conditions are linked to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are related to his service. The appellant contends that her husband's post-service depression is linked to his military service, and the VA must provide an etiology opinion on this issue before deciding on DIC benefits.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability, increased ratings for his bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, and service connection for a neck disorder. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened due to new and material evidence being submitted.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for depression was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, his claim remains denied as he is not granted service connection.,The Veteran's scars are currently assigned a noncompensable rating. The issue has been remanded for further action.