Depression decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for depression as there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder, including depression, under DSM-5 criteria. The Veteran's symptoms were not sufficient to meet the diagnostic criteria for depression or any other mental disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate previous examinations and the need for additional evidence, including VA treatment records and private medical records from Dr. Michael Dee.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. Service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 70%, which does not meet the criteria for a TDIU under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). The Veteran reported being substantially and gainfully employed, so he cannot be granted a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury or stressor events.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and PTSD, has been reopened. The issue is now remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claim due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder. The case will be reviewed and re-evaluated with additional VA examinations.

The Board has denied reopening the claim of residuals of circumcision and remanded for a new VA examination to determine if depression is service-connected. The decision on whether residuals of circumcision are service-connected remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for improved pension benefits was denied as his income exceeded the maximum allowable pension rate. The Board found that the Veteran’s countable annual income, after deducting medical expenses, exceeded $16,051 and therefore did not meet the criteria for nonservice-connected pension.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and depressive disorder) are remanded. The Board found that further efforts should be made to verify the stressor events and obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder does not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable prior to November 30, 2015. The Board has granted a TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD, MDD, and GAD are found to be related to in-service stressors, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Board has decided to remand both issues for further examination and consideration of new evidence. The claim for service connection is reopened, but the issue regarding the evaluation of dermatophytosis remains under review.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for chronic pulmonary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM II), and major depressive disorder due to insufficient evidence or further clarification.

The Veteran's cause of death was glioblastoma multiforme, due to bacterial pneumonia and acute respiratory failure. None of his service-connected conditions are considered the immediate or underlying cause of his death. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding substitution in claims and assessment of TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is related to his active service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back and left knee disorders, right ear hearing loss, heart disability, hypertension, and scars have been denied. The Veteran was granted TDIU.,Service connection for depressive disorder has been established with an effective date prior to April 29, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% disability rating between March 25, 2008 and March 29, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, a respiratory condition, and residuals of burns to the hands and legs. Service connection was also denied for malaria. The Veteran's claim for a back disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The VA is instructed to attempt to obtain private treatment records, corroborate the in-service stressor, and schedule a psychiatric examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.