Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder was denied. The appeals for service connection for left ankle condition and bilateral foot disability, as well as the TDIU claim prior to June 29, 2017, are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and lumbar spine disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 19, 2011. The effective date for the award of TDIU is set at December 19, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal of his petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a right foot disability was dismissed due to his withdrawal. The claims for hepatitis, depression, PTSD, left foot disability, right hand disability, left hand disability, right knee disability, right hip disability, and right leg disability are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The appeal has been denied as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not properly adjudicated due to procedural issues and remands them for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information about the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric condition, including whether it pre-existed service or was aggravated by service. The Veteran's mental health records need to be obtained and an examination is required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from November 17, 2010, to December 12, 2012. The Board granted TDIU based on the combined impact of multiple joint disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD is granted with an initial rating of 30 percent, but no higher.,VA examinations are needed to assess the severity of his cervical strain and right ankle disorder due to lack of information regarding functional limitations during flare-ups. The VA examiner must also provide opinions on whether these disorders are related to service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's bilateral knee disorder and major depressive disorder need further evaluation by a VA examiner to determine their etiology and relationship to service-connected conditions.,VA examinations are needed to assess the nature of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including its relation to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the appeal for further development and examination regarding service connection claims, including those related to heart disability, psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD), left inguinal hernia, post aortofemoral bypass residuals, right inguinal hernia, and TDIU. The Veteran's lay statements about exposure to chemicals during National Guard service are also being addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was reopened and granted. Service connection for headaches, tinnitus, and high blood pressure/hypertension were also granted. The claims for sleep apnea and heart disorder were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's depression is related to his service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his major depressive disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal prior to any decision being made.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression is rated at 70 percent prior to June 29, 2017. The appeal for a higher rating has been granted.

The Veteran's left groin scar is granted as secondary to her service-connected left knee internal derangement and left femoral neuropathy. The appeal for higher ratings on other conditions remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any mental health disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including paranoid schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. The decision is pending further investigation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and Depression, including a lack of corroborated in-service stressors. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination with a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine if she meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected depression and right wrist disability render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating. The remaining claims for increased ratings are remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to new evidence received. The issues of entitlement to service connection for other conditions related to Camp Lejeune exposure are remanded.