Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The thoracolumbar spine disability and sciatica of the left lower extremity are each rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to his symptoms being mild or transient.

The Board has determined that the issue of secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been raised and requires further examination to determine if the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection decisions were made.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected disabilities or incurred in service. The VA will obtain a new medical opinion on these issues.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including polysubstance abuse and depression, as well as tinnitus. The Veteran's depressive disorder was not shown to have started in service or be related to his substance abuse. Tinnitus was also not found to be linked to service.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for an increased rating of 50 percent or higher for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and somatic symptom disorder, so the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence for reopening the claim of service connection for a left knee disorder and for obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and persistent depressive disorder (previously rated as dysthymia), has been rated at 50 percent since February 8, 2012. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right big toe, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, depression, and tinnitus have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.,Service connection has been granted for diabetes mellitus, type II, based on herbicide exposure in Thailand. Service connection is also granted for associated lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including Specific Phobia and chronic major depression, is granted as service connected. The Board found the evidence in equipoise regarding a nexus to his active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, as well as the TDIU claim due to issues with medical opinions and potential need for further examination. The Veteran's service connection claims are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's MDD with anxiety has been granted a 50% disability rating, but the issue of TDIU (Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability) is being remanded.

The Veteran's initial rating for his acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new medical examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for rhinitis and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and depression) due to insufficient evidence of record. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine if he currently has these conditions, and whether they are related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information to verify a stressor event that may have led to PTSD. The Veteran must be provided with an examination and further development is needed.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is appropriate based on her symptoms of depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, decreased motivation, isolation, anger, irritability, insomnia, hypervigilance, and being easily startled. The evidence does not support a higher rating as she did not meet the criteria for 70 or 100 percent ratings.

The Veteran's appeal to receive a higher rating for his PTSD and depressive disorder was dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to any decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, and depressive disorder is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure and erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his major depressive disorder. The effective date for tinnitus service connection is denied, and the Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent. A TDIU is granted.