Depression decisions — 2018

The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened, but the secondary service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is denied as there is no service-connected disability. The service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (reopened) is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder were rated at 70% effective February 15, 2011. The Board granted an earlier effective date of April 21, 2009 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative changes of the thoracic and lumbar spine has been reopened, and it is granted. The other issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his major depressive disorder and bilateral plantar fasciitis are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left sciatic nerve radicular pain, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve radicular pain, a bilateral hip condition, posttraumatic stress disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), finding that there was no evidence of in-service disease or injury related to these conditions.

The Veteran's dysthymia with depression, bilateral hearing loss disability, and sleep apnea are all found to be related to his service-connected left shoulder condition. The Veteran is granted increased ratings for his distal clavicle resection of the left shoulder.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder have been granted service connection, but the current rating of 30% is maintained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and dysthymic disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, anxiety and depression, and PTSD have been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of an in-service onset or causation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's left hip disability and depression have been granted service connection. The left hip disability is considered a direct result of his military service, while the depression is linked to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including a diagnosis of PTSD. The VA will schedule an examination and review the records to determine if service connection can be granted for the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and thyroid disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to active duty service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD based on in-service stressors related to his military service in Vietnam. Service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and translations of Spanish documents.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an increased rating to 70 percent for PTSD with MDD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating. Service connection for hypertension was not addressed as it is being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened, and the Board expanded his claim to include any acquired psychiatric condition. The case is now remanded for further evidentiary development.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination. The examiner is asked to provide opinions on whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service, caused by or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, has been reopened. Service connection is granted for tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.