Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hallux valgus was denied as the evidence did not show severe symptoms equivalent to amputation of the great toe. The Board also remanded issues regarding increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and depressive disorder, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD has resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder and depression, was first manifested during active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues on appeal are an increased rating for depression and TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression, was not shown in service and is not causally or etiologically related to service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for depression.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is rated at 60 percent, the highest available rating.,For pancreatitis, a 30 percent rating remains in effect.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection and increased ratings are not ready for appellate review due to the need for additional development. The Veteran's low back, right knee, left knee, and major depressive disorder disabilities will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg thrombophlebitis, acquired psychiatric disorder (including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and depression), bronchitis, Hepatitis C, and a separate right leg disability. The claim for increased rating for neck disability is also denied as a matter of law.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as bipolar disorder. The Veteran's current psychiatric condition is found to be at least in equipoise with his military service and thus service connection is granted.

The Board denied reopening the claim of entitlement to service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder and denied service connection for a psychiatric disability, finding that no new and material evidence had been received. The Veteran's preexisting gastrointestinal disorder was found not to be aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD. The Board finds that his major depressive disorder is already service-connected, and thus the new condition cannot be linked to service.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be secondary to his service-connected depressive disorder. The cases of irritable bowel syndrome, depressive disorder, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability are remanded for additional examinations.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to have started during service and continues since then, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, an acquired psychiatric disability (depression, anxiety, PTSD), and hypertension have been denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is granted, as the current effective date (December 27, 2011) has already been assigned.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids, as well as his reopenings of claims for acquired psychiatric disabilities, forehead lacerations, and right knee disabilities have been considered. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received to support these reopened claims.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to clarify whether the Veteran currently has an anxiety disorder and to provide a nexus opinion regarding the etiology of his major depression.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart disability and an increased rating for depressive disorder. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.