Depression decisions — 2018

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 updated VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and completing forms related to her employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including whether it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete records. The issues of service connection for left-sided facial nerve paralysis, headaches, and depression are being reviewed again with a focus on obtaining adequate VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, right knee disability before total replacement surgery is rated at 40 percent, and right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent. Appeals for higher ratings are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for hypertension was reopened and granted. The claims for sleep apnea, right hip arthritis (limitation of flexion), and major depressive disorder were denied. Right hip arthritis remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with panic disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability.

The claim of service connection for PTSD is reopened and granted. The Veteran's testimony regarding in-service events led to a new diagnosis of PTSD, which is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to determine if a psychiatric disorder is present and related to service.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 70 percent since January 4, 2016.,Service connection for sleep apnea and migraine headaches was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including obtaining post-service medical records and corroborating in-service stressors. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is still under consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with representation and a need for further medical examination. The Veteran's claim is related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS is granted as service-connected.,Effective February 19, 2010, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and persistent depressive disorder, are granted as service connected based on direct evidence of a current disability, a confirmed in-service stressor, and a link between the current symptoms and the claimed in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development being required, including verifying service in Thailand and examining the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected sinusitis. Service connection for asthma, GERD, urticaria of the upper and lower extremities, and COPD are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a DRO hearing, and will be readjudicated after scheduling the hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain disease and an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, have been denied due to lack of evidence supporting in-service incurrence or onset.,An individual unemployability claim related to the left wrist disability has also been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus has been reopened and granted.,Service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection for depression is granted, with the Board finding that it is related to active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and major depressive disorder. The issues are related to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service or his service-connected pars planitis.