Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for major depressive disorder secondary to chronic otitis media with eustachian tube dysfunction. The case is now remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship between these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD), diagnosed as major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise that this condition is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and requests for authorization from the Veteran's daughter.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder with associated alcohol use disorder, is granted as service-connected due to in-service personal assault (MST). The Board finds sufficient credible evidence to support the occurrence of the alleged in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depression, is related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during service. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic features, was caused by his service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current depressive disorder and adjustment disorder are related to service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed military sexual trauma (MST) and its impact on her psychiatric conditions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder all stemming from an alleged in-service MST.

The Veteran's depression and adjustment disorder secondary to left shoulder, left knee, and low back pain are rated at 50% prior to June 12, 2017. A rating of 70% is granted for the period from June 12, 2017 forward. The associated lumbar LLE radiculopathy is rated at 10%. The limitation of motion on extension of the left knee is rated at 0%, and a separate rating not to exceed 10% for non-LOM symptoms of left knee bursitis and posterior cruciate ligament strain (September 10, 2011 to April 21, 2014) is granted. The superficial painful scars are rated at 0%, and a compensable rating for scar residual, forehead, is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and a skin condition as secondary to his psychiatric disorders. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD related to service stressors and that the Veteran’s major depressive disorder did not have onset in or be otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent since December 30, 2004. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted.,The effective date for the total disability rating based on individual unemployability was revised to March 11, 2015 from June 2, 2010.,The effective date for Dependents’ Educational Assistance benefits remains prior to March 11, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and panic disorder, are related to service. Therefore, service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for VA examinations and additional records.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a disability rating of 70 percent effective June 12, 2018. A total disability rating based on individual employability (TDIU) is also granted as of that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since November 26, 2016. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of alternative forms of evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability, right ankle disability, chronic parotitis with stones, status post left parotidectomy, left knee disability, and right knee disability has been reopened. The claims are granted as secondary to bilateral otosclerosis with impaired hearing, post-operative stapedectomies.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depression. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the RO due to incomplete service treatment records and need further examination.

Service connection is granted for sleep apnea, chronic renal disease/diabetic nephropathy, and depressive disorder.,Effective dates are denied for the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower left extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the lower right extremity, cataracts, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran is granted service connection for Crohn’s disease and depressive disorder secondary to Crohn's disease.,The Veteran's osteopenia (bone condition) and small bowel resection are remanded as the evidence is insufficient to determine their relationship to service-connected conditions.