Depression decisions — 2018

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD and did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD. The VA examiner determined that his anxiety and depressive disorders are less likely than not caused by or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities are found to be aggravated by his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arthralgia of the lumbosacral spine, depressive disorder, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremity, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/gastritis, combine to be 70 percent disabling. The Board finds that these conditions prevent the Veteran from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and alcohol dependence in full remission has rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, resulting in a grant of TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and dementia are not supported by the evidence. The preponderance of the evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder, has been granted. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, bilateral ear disability (Eustachian tube dysfunction), depressive disorder, bilateral ingrown toenail, Morton's metatarsalgia, interdigital neuroma within second and third toes of the left foot, migraine headaches, jaw residuals involving the 5th cranial nerve on both sides, GERD, chronic lumbar sprain, residuals of a left ring finger fracture, and left thigh scar.,The Veteran's current symptoms are consistent with his in-service complaints and diagnoses.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, characterized as PTSD and anxiety, has been rated at 70 percent since the beginning of the appeal period.,For migraine headaches, the Veteran is now rated at 50 percent after November 28, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain missing service treatment records and issue a Statement of the Case for depression and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression have been rated at a total disability rating (100%) since September 23, 2013.,The Veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral plantar fasciitis, have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent as of April 20, 2015. Effective from July 15, 2016, the Veteran is entitled to TDIU due to his depressive disorder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, and as a result of this grant, other acquired psychiatric disorders are also considered to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and depressive disorder (MDD) have been denied. The Board has also determined that the Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death is related to his service-connected asthmatic bronchitis, and therefore grants DIC benefits. As a result, the claim for nonservice-connected death pension is dismissed as moot.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records, including SSA disability benefits records, private treatment records from Tri West, Johnson City Medical Center, and Bristol Regional Medical, and updated VA evaluation records.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The VA examiner found that the identified stressors would satisfy the criteria for PTSD stressors but did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, which are being evaluated on their own merits.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychological disorder, including a thorough review of his medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities for pension purposes prior to October 25, 2017 included PTSD with major depression, knee arthralgia, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, hypertension, inguinal hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran was not found to meet the schedular criteria for a permanent and total disability rating prior to October 25, 2017. As such, he is not entitled to nonservice-connected pension benefits prior to that date.