Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination. The issues on appeal are related to his depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right hip iliotibial band syndrome.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to November 13, 2015.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service personnel records and any outstanding VA treatment records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a higher rating for PTSD, service connection for a left ankle disability, and TDIU. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of total social impairment or an injury related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is now rated at 70 percent since June 14, 2016, due to aggravation by his service-connected headache disorder. The TDIU and housebound status claims are also granted.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent effective May 1, 2013. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for PTSD, and his current psychiatric disability is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for her acquired psychiatric disorder prior to March 17, 2014 was denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable disability rating for her stress fractures of the lower extremities and TDIU or SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than anxiety with depressive disorder and PTSD. The claim of new and material evidence was granted, but the main issue of service connection remains denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability was granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective April 3, 2017. The IBS issue remains unresolved and is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA psychiatric examination and issuance of an SOC addressing the issue of initial increased rating for PTSD disability. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse and eating disorder will be readjudicated based on the additional evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition existed prior to service. The Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are linked to his in-service sexual abuse by priests.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for depression. The Veteran's current depression is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar posterior calcaneal spurs was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and various lower extremity conditions are all granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has established a current disability, in-service noise exposure, and continuity of symptoms.

The Board has determined that further development of the record is necessary to comply with VA's duty to assist the Veteran in the development of facts pertinent to his appeal for service connection for a psychological disorder, including PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder and hypertension, as well as his request for an initial compensable evaluation for residuals of traumatic brain injury, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of current diagnoses or symptoms for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a cervical spine condition and depressive disorder has been granted.,The Veteran was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, which is considered a direct result of her military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to service, including his alleged MST during confinement in San Diego. The claim is also reopened on new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, heart disability, hypertension, and type II diabetes mellitus have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.