Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new knee examination. The TDIU issue is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating issues.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea. The case of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to in-service events or stressors.

The Veteran's MDD and lumbar and thoracic spine strain have been granted service connection, with a rating of 70 percent for the latter since December 5, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression and unspecified personality disorder. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of a psychosis or establish that any current psychiatric condition was incurred in service.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD, finding that entitlement to benefits arose on January 3, 2005.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, major depressive disorder, and tinnitus as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected conditions. Service connection was also granted for right hip and left hip disorders as secondary to his service-connected left knee condition.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder were restored to a 70 percent rating effective August 1, 2017. Additionally, the Board granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted effective May 26, 2010. The Veteran's claim for service connection for shortness of breath is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, including as secondary to his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor. The VA will attempt to obtain records from the CID and review them before making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is denied as he did not serve during any of the specified periods of war under 38 U.S.C. § 1702, and thus cannot be granted as a matter of law.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance prior to May 27, 2003 is denied. The earliest possible effective dates are the current ones.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD is granted as incurred in wartime service. The issues of service connection for a bilateral knee disability, heart disability to include hypertension, GERD, and skin cancer are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Major Depression due to incomplete records, including VA treatment records from August 2010 onwards and private medical records from Dr. E.H.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of depression associated with lumbar strain was granted. His gastritis, claimed as stomach condition and reflux associated with lumbar strain, is now rated at 40% from May 21, 2014, and the earlier effective date for this rating is being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted. The Veteran now has a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD, which is considered new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and requests for verification of his military service.

The Veteran's son, E.B., IV, was not found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to the age of 18 due to his disabilities. The evidence showed he could perform daily activities and had obtained a GED.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and higher-level SMC were dismissed. The appeal seeking service connection for right elbow disability, left elbow disability, cervical strain, lumbar strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), increased ratings for cervical strain, lumbar strain, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as service connection for right shoulder disability and left shoulder disability were all dismissed. The Veteran's claim for a total (100 percent) disability rating for PTSD was granted with an effective date of December 10, 2011.,The Veteran’s appeals for increased ratings for cervical strain, lumbar strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were remanded. The appeal seeking service connection for a right shoulder disability was also remanded.