Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to newly obtained VA treatment records and a VA examination report. The claims include service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, erectile dysfunction, an acquired psychiatric condition (major depressive disorder), varicose veins of the left and right lower extremities, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 20, 2011, for the grant of service connection for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder, alcohol abuse, and cannabis abuse was denied as there were no formal or informal claims received before this date.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer status-post prostatectomy. The reduction of the 100 percent rating for prostate cancer from February 24, 2009 to January 1, 2013 was proper.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disability due to insufficient evidence. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating for lumbar myositis, service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy associated with lumbar myositis, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder) due to inadequate VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's major depression and anxiety are rated at 70 percent since September 20, 2017. The lumbar spine disorder is rated at 40 percent effective from September 20, 2017. The right lower radiculopathy remains in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and related conditions, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder (other specified depressive disorder) are granted service connection. Additionally, the Veteran is awarded a 10 percent rating for hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder secondary to service-connected epididymitis, but remanded the issues of sleep apnea and rating of epididymitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD and depression is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for COPD/emphysema due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, depression, low back strain, PTSD, and TDIU due to insufficient evidence in some areas. The Veteran must be provided with additional examinations and updated medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of medical records prior to service and insufficient evidence regarding whether pre-existing psychiatric disorders were aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected right ankle fracture. The cause of death is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder was granted with an effective date of August 24, 1996. The original claim was filed within one year of separation from active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and major depressive disorder with psychotic features have been granted. However, the Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his musculoskeletal pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergic rhinitis, and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for new examinations and a review of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to lack of a current diagnosis. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding other psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety disorder, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's MDD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds this rating to be appropriate given his symptoms of mild depression, occasional difficulty concentrating, and intermittent inability to perform occupational tasks. The Veteran’s TDIU claim has been remanded for further review.

The reduction of the rating for major depressive disorder from 70 percent to 30 percent, effective July 1, 2014, was improper and the 70 percent rating is restored, effective July 1, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for a trauma and stressor related disorder, but the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is remanded due to insufficient evidence.