Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for several issues, including an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for anxiety disorder NOS and depressive disorder NOS, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for ischemic heart disease, and a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The missing November 2013 VA examination report is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity disability, finding that his depression is related to stressors including his ongoing medical issues from his in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his active service, but additional evidence is needed for other conditions. The Veteran will need to provide updated treatment records and undergo a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for depression and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran was granted a 70% rating for MDD, effective from the date of decision. A TDIU rating was granted from August 25, 2011 forward.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety and panic attacks is found to be secondary to his service-connected peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities. Service connection for emboli to both lungs, post-phlebitic syndrome with peripheral vascular disease of the left and right lower extremities, and heart condition (cardiomegaly) are all granted. The Veteran's back disability and sleep apnea claims remain denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but denied the claim itself due to lack of evidence linking any current psychiatric condition to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and an addendum opinion regarding service connection for heat stroke, acquired psychiatric disability including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, and right foot disability.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and remanded the issue of service connection for chronic headaches.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating of major depressive disorder before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia and denied service connection for sleep apnea. The claim for depression is remanded as the VA examination was inadequate.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition and Type II diabetes mellitus are granted service connection, but the TDIU claim is remanded.

The claim to reopen the previously denied psychiatric disability claim is granted. The Board finds that remand is necessary for further development and examination regarding both the psychiatric disability and sleep apnea claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner is required to determine if any diagnosed disorders are related to in-service stressors and other reported stressors.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional treatment records and updates.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for major depressive disorder is remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination.,The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the first issue. An update on the severity of his condition between January 27, 2013 and January 27, 2014 is needed.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the first issue. An update on the severity of his condition between January 27, 2013 and January 27, 2014 is needed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for hypertension. The issues of entitlement to service connection for headaches, major depressive disorder, and diabetes are remanded due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, a sleep disorder including obstructive sleep apnea, and various other conditions have been granted. The decision also remands several rating decisions.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for depression, considering it as secondary to service-connected disabilities. An additional VA examination is required to determine if the depression is related to an in-service injury or disease and whether it is aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his varicose veins and major depressive disorder, as well as the issue of TDIU based on service-connected disabilities, are being remanded due to incomplete records. The VA is instructed to obtain SSA disability benefits records and any outstanding VA treatment records.