Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right and left lower extremity sciatica. Service connection is also granted for depression as secondary to a lumbar spine disability, but erectile dysfunction remains unresolved due to lack of VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. The Board has remanded the cases to obtain additional evidence and conduct further examinations.

The Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder is rated at 50 percent, the lowest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board found that her symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart palpitations, abnormal liver function test results, obesity, diverticulitis, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, allergic rhinitis, and major depressive disorder. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for appropriate examinations.

The Veteran's endometriosis is granted a 50% rating, and her right knee condition and unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress are denied service connection. The lower back condition remains denied.

The Board has expanded the matter to include all psychiatric disabilities, and recharacterized the claim as entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability. The case is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a right knee disability, headaches, and depression have been denied.,A rating in excess of 60 percent for residuals of a total left knee replacement has also been denied.

Service connection for depression as secondary to service-connected left shoulder disability is granted. Effective dates for the 20% ratings for left shoulder limited motion and recurrent dislocation are set at November 17, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of headaches.,Service connection for depression was also denied, with the Board concluding that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis and his symptoms began many years after separation from service.

The appeal to reopen a claim for PTSD is granted.,The claims for bilateral hallux valgus with hammertoe deformity and left hip disorder are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 16, 2018. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The evidence did not establish a new and material basis for reopening the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depressive disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current symptoms to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's linear scar of the right foot is not compensable, and her painful scar does not warrant a higher rating.,Her PTSD due to military sexual trauma, including major depressive disorder, recurrent, results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, finding that his current major depressive disorder and anxiety are proximately caused by his time 'closeted' while in the military.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded due to incomplete records and the need to obtain SSA disability benefits information.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for depression as secondary to his service-connected migraines and granted this claim. The Veteran will now receive a rating for his acquired psychiatric condition, including depression.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. A new VA examination is required to provide adequate diagnoses and etiology opinions for all of the claimant’s acquired psychiatric disorders.