Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD, Major Depression, and Anxiety related to his combat service in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding that there is no probative evidence showing a current diagnosis of PTSD or a link between his in-service stressors and his current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent effective from August 2013. The rating for post traumatic headaches was increased to 50 percent effective from June 28, 2018. A separate 10 percent rating for dizziness has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to June 14, 2016 resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. A disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an inguinal hernia, bilateral ankle disorder, insomnia, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety) due to lack of evidence supporting service connection.,Service connection is not granted for any of these conditions as there is no credible evidence linking them to military service.

The Veteran's claims for headaches, tinnitus, depressive disorder, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy have been granted. The claim for right middle finger fracture residuals has been denied.,The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left shoulder condition and right shoulder condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as secondary to her service-connected post-operative ovarian cyst and/or claimed residuals of status post total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's OSA and depressive disorder, as well as to clarify the nature and severity of his service-connected OSTSRD. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, finding that there was no current disability for which entitlement to service connection could be established.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, service connection for an eye disability and memory loss condition, as well as the effective date of TDIU. Additional evidence will be reviewed, and VA examinations will be scheduled to assess the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the claimed conditions, or that these conditions are due to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's headache disorder is granted as service connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records review. The issue of an increased evaluation for his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress remains under consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. A new examination is needed to confirm current diagnoses and provide etiology opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective March 12, 2012. The Board also granted TDIU based on the combined rating of PTSD and other service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depression and secondary alcohol abuse, as well as his claim for TDIU. The remand is due to the need for further VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder has not been evaluated in over four years, and the Board finds it likely there are outstanding VA treatment records. The case is remanded for a new evaluation to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate nexus opinion and incomplete service personnel records, particularly regarding the Veteran's reported stressors in Thailand.

The Veteran's claims for higher PTSD evaluation, service connection for alcohol abuse and depression, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.