Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C, acquired psychiatric disorder (manifested by depression and insomnia), and hypertension are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, secondary to his right thumb disability are being remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and PTSD, finding new and material evidence. The case is now remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine the etiology of any psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been granted increased ratings to 70 percent effective August 20, 2014.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is granted as service connection based on the evidence showing a current disability, in-service events, and a nexus between the events and the disorder.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an examination and updated treatment records, as well as to clarify the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disabilities. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for frostbite of the hands and feet, depression, a low back disability, and epistaxis. However, the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board has decided that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including depression and schizophrenia, are related to his military service. The case is being sent back for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, personality disorder, and learning disorder, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding the diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-V criteria and the potential superimposition of a diagnosed psychiatric disorder on his preexisting personality and/or learning disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting statements regarding the cause of the Veteran's major depressive disorder and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence and depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board has determined that a higher rating of 100 percent for total disability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including small bowel resection, pelvic inflammatory disease, major depressive disorder, and other conditions, rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to her education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's onychomycosis of the toenails is found to have its onset during active service and granted service connection. The issue regarding residuals of a TBI remains pending as it requires further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to military sexual trauma during active service, and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Hypertension, and Depressive Disorder, NOS. The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded to determine if it is related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 25, 2016 for the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depressive disorder and somatic symptom disorder with anxiety symptoms.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, genital herpes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression) as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD and instead diagnosed him with Major Depressive Disorder. Appeals for increased ratings for other conditions were also addressed, but are remanded.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been granted a rating of 30 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The appeal for increased ratings on other issues is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.