Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including MDD and PTSD, hypertension, microscopic hematuria, and actinic keratosis are all granted as service connected. However, the issues of microscopic hematuria and actinic keratosis secondary to herbicide exposure remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and a claim for service connection for depression are both remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent, effective May 4, 2010. The claim for an earlier effective date is denied.

Service connection is granted for a cervical strain disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety, and mood disorder).,The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The VA is instructed to obtain all outstanding records and schedule the Veteran for a new examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of October 7, 2011, for the grant of service connection for PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Depression. The Board found that no claim was received prior to this date.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for any acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including anxiety disorder and depressive disorder. The evidence supports a link between the current psychiatric disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on housebound status has also been dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including gout and low back condition, were denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to active service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's genital herpes is granted an initial 60 percent rating. The Veteran's dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia status post hysteroscopy with endometrial ablation is denied as not requiring treatment. Claims for service connection for depression and chronic pain disorder are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, back disability, and depression due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's tension headaches are found to be related to his service-connected tinnitus and anxiety disorders.,The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with panic disorder and major depressive disorder is found to be related to his service-connected tinnitus, left ankle injury, and anxiety disorders.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic features is granted as service connected. Her tension headaches and migraines are also granted as secondary to her major depressive disorder. The cases of tinnitus, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's mild degenerative disc disease at L2-L3 and L3-L4 levels is granted as service-connected.,His left knee condition, right knee condition, and bilateral foot condition are denied as not related to his service.,His depression is granted as service-connected.,His sleep apnea is granted as service-connected.,His headaches are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's tinea pedis (bilateral feet) and PFB (previously rated noncompensable) are granted with a 30% rating effective June 25, 2012.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and depressive disorder are all found to be related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for PTSD and depression. A VA examination is needed to assess all current psychiatric diagnoses and their relation to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in August 1998, but reopened and granted effective September 10, 2014. The Board found no earlier petition to reopen the claim prior to September 10, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including his current depressive disorder, is caused or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus. Additional opinions are needed on both direct and secondary service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and remanded the issues of bilateral knee disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, requiring a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected major depressive disorder.