Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic anxious distress features is etiologically related to his service-connected tinnitus. The Board has granted service connection for this condition as secondary to the service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if VA's care or treatment was negligent in prescribing methadone, which may have contributed to the Veteran's suicide.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, with two disabilities rated at least 40 percent. His service-connected disabilities prevent him from following or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorders have been rated at 50 percent since the onset of his claims. The Board found that while he has symptoms consistent with a higher rating, they do not meet the criteria for a 70% or higher rating.

An initial rating of 50 percent for service-connected depressive disorder with insomnia is granted from May 14, 2003 to October 2, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened due to new and material evidence submitted since the last final denial.,Service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious distress is granted as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee chondromalacia.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus as new and material evidence was not received to reopen his previous claim. The Board also found that there is no link between the Veteran’s current hearing loss and tinnitus and his active duty service.

The Board is remanding the case for obtaining additional VA treatment records and for a medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's depression, which was related to his service-connected disabilities, contributed to his death.

The Board has denied service connection for TBI due to a lack of evidence of current disability or residuals thereof.,Service connection is remanded for respiratory disability, including sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's major depression and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified were granted a rating of 70 percent for the entire appeal period prior to September 10, 2013.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records, as well as an evaluation of whether any current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders including depression, GAD, and PTSD as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's in-service sexual assault.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for bilateral foot disorders, major depressive disorder, right knee and left knee arthritis, skin disorder (claimed as from shaving), allergic rhinitis, and headaches. The specific nature and etiology of these conditions will be determined through further medical examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to July 16, 2012 and at 70 percent thereafter. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his service-connected psychiatric conditions, and because a decision on the PTSD rating could impact the TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood/major depression. The decision also requires a review of whether her in-service sexual assault is considered a personal assault that occurred during her active service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tension headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability and denied service connection for depression.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including irritable bowel syndrome, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from December 6, 2013.

An effective date of February 16, 2010 is granted for the grant of TDIU.,An effective date of February 16, 2010 is granted for the grant of DEA benefits.,A disability rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied.