Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and psychiatric disabilities other than PTSD due to a lack of a current diagnosis. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran's claimed conditions did not have an in-service onset and are not etiologically related to active military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for joint pain in the hands and feet, low back disorder, and depression due to potential outstanding private treatment records. The claim for diabetes mellitus remains denied.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with depression is found to have begun during service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these disabilities began during active service. The appeal regarding residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for major depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, bilateral hand disability, toenail fungus, CTS, depression, and memory loss have been granted. The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was reopened due to new evidence indicating possible onset prior to December 1972.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that there is clear and unmistakable evidence establishing the preexistence of a psychiatric condition prior to service enlistment. The Board also found no aggravation by active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychological disability, including Major Depressive Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is related to his service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 19, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent disability rating, effective from August 28, 2014. The decision also grants entitlement to TDIU based on service-connected PTSD and additional separate and distinct service-connected disabilities rated at 60 percent or more.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions on the Veteran's mental health diagnoses and treatment records. The Veteran is required to provide VA treatment records, complete a VA Form 21-4142 for any private treatment records, and undergo a psychiatric examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression/temper flair and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his symptoms, particularly in relation to his service-connected kidney disability.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and PTSD with MDD have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment for the entire period on appeal, and a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date are remanded due to the need for adjudication of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in previous rating decisions.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of August 28, 2013 for the assignment of a 100 percent rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and the award of TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for eye condition, high blood pressure, headaches, left leg condition, depression, and diabetes due to outstanding VA treatment records not being obtained.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, is related to his active service. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and lumbar spine disability render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment, leading to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective March 28, 2016.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10% based on limitation of motion, but no higher. Separate ratings have been granted for instability and removal of the semilunar cartilage.,Service connection has been established for PTSD and depression with an effective date set at February 18, 2011.