Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him incapable of performing activities of daily living and require regular aid and attendance. However, his other service-connected conditions do not result in anatomical loss or use of limbs, thus preventing a higher rate of SMC.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee arthritis, cervical strain with arthritis, and a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and depressive disorder. The Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and an unspecified depressive disorder, but denied sleep apnea. The case is remanded to obtain private treatment records related to IBS.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left hip disability beginning October 31, 2012 was denied. The claim for total disability based on individual unemployability prior to November 27, 2012 was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and cannabis abuse disorder) due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for a lumbar spine condition was previously denied in May 2007, and no new or material evidence has been received since then. For the psychiatric disorders, there is insufficient evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected unspecified depressive disorder are being remanded due to procedural issues. The AOJ must issue a Statement of the Case, obtain updated VA treatment records, request private treatment releases, schedule a VA examination, and readjudicate the cases.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted a 50 percent rating, and other conditions are either denied or remanded for further review.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability. The appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions regarding his diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of the claimed acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a retrospective VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss from August 19, 2003 to April 2, 2005, and a TDIU opinion considering his combined effects of service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated as noncompensable, with no worse than Level II hearing impairment in the right ear and Level I hearing impairment in the left ear.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities have precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but remands it for further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD prior to August 14, 2014 was granted. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms most closely approximated those of a 70 percent rating.

Your appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and passive-aggressive personality disorder has been dismissed as your claim was granted in full with the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder and depression is rated at 70 percent.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.,Further examination is needed to determine the current severity of cataracts and PTSD with adjustment disorder and depression, as well as the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records, particularly from private hospitals and VA facilities where the Veteran received treatment prior to his death. The appellant must provide information for obtaining these records.

The Board has granted service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his service in Guantanamo Bay. The claim was reopened due to new evidence provided since the last denial.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service or within a year after separation, and it is not related to service.,Major depressive disorder is granted with a rating of 70 percent but no higher. The Veteran has symptoms such as suicidal ideation, neglect of personal hygiene, and near-continuous panic or depression.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines and major depressive disorder significantly impact his ability to work, resulting in a TDIU being granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new evidence being added to his file after the April 2016 SOC.