Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened and granted effective May 30, 2013. The Board also determined that the Veteran is entitled to an effective date of May 30, 2013 for his low back disability, right knee osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, painful healed scar of the right forearm, and nonpainful healed scar of the right forearm.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression was not incurred in or caused by his period of honorable service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, psychiatric disability (including depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and anxiety), and headaches. The Veteran prevails in these reopened claims as his current disabilities are at least in equipoise with service connection.

The Veteran's daughter, C. B., has been diagnosed with scoliosis, anxiety, major depressive disorder (MDD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, she was not shown to have been permanently incapable of self-support by reason of a mental or physical condition prior to attaining the age of 18 years.

The Veteran does not have current diagnosed TBI residuals or other service-connected conditions related to an in-service head injury. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from Riverside Hospital and Social Security Administration. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is being reconsidered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder clearly and unmistakably existed prior to her service, but was not aggravated by it. Therefore, she is granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate VA examination and missing information in the Veteran's claim file.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is granted, with the benefit of doubt favoring his claim due to the continuity of symptoms and consistent medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with major depression and panic disorder with agoraphobia, degenerative disc disease and spondylosis in lower cervical spine, arthritis right foot (status post crush injury and reconstructive surgery to right great toe), and degenerative joint disease, right knee, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder with GAD and PTSD features did not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to October 29, 2016. The Board found that the symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional records and further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have chloracne and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, is also denied as there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and SSA disability benefits file. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated after this is completed.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depression and PTSD, are found to be related to his service. His GERD is also found to be related to his service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD. The VA has ordered a remand due to the need for updated treatment records and an examination by a VA psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Veteran's appeal is granted for increased ratings in various areas, including coronary artery disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The reduction of the rating for left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy from 10 percent to noncompensable was found proper.

The Veteran's mood disorder has been rated at 30 percent since June 2010. The claim for service connection of sleep apnea was denied, and the ratings for radiculopathy were granted with effective dates earlier than April 29, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary depression is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating since August 1, 2011. The appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied.