Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected tension headaches, right carpal tunnel syndrome, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder have been granted initial disability ratings of 30 percent each. The Veteran also received a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 100 percent since November 20, 2012, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his current back disability began during or was caused by his military service.,The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds no total social impairment to warrant an increased rating. The Veteran maintains relationships and is socially active.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he has not demonstrated that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records since 2004, SSA/DHHR disability benefits records, and an addendum opinion from the July 2018 VA examiner.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current mental health conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for TBI, headaches, gout, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD), and Bell’s Palsy due to incomplete records and the need for medical opinions regarding possible causation.

The Veteran's death was caused by a motorcycle crash while under the influence of alcohol. The service-connected condition, major depressive disorder with secondary alcohol use, contributed to his death.

The Veteran's anxiety and depression have been rated at a 70 percent disability evaluation, effective from April 11, 2011.,The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to its secondary nature to his service-connected anxiety and depression.

The Veteran is granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected major depressive disorder and headaches. He is also granted special monthly compensation for need of aid and attendance of another person, but not housebound status.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury. The claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disability, back disability (claimed as arthritis all over), and bilateral shoulder disability are remanded due to lack of evidence of current disabilities. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder, porokeratosis and tinea (previously fungal infection of the feet with jungle rot and trench foot), right and left shoulder disability, and left knee disability is granted. The effective date will be determined based on the evidence received prior to April 12, 2013.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, specifically PTSD and major depressive disorder. The VA needs to obtain her service personnel records, all relevant medical records, and conduct a new examination to determine if these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination of the appellant's Major Depressive Disorder.

The appeal as to entitlement to service connection for a left elbow disability has been dismissed.,New and material evidence having been received; the claims of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (DM II), hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been reopened.

The Veteran's claim for a 100 percent schedular rating for anxiety disorder and depressive disorder is effective as of August 23, 2014. The issue of TDIU prior to this date remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic low back pain with lumbar spine multi-level degenerative disc disease was reopened and granted. The claim for arthritis was denied, as there is no evidence of arthritis in any body part treated during service or within one year of separation from service. The Veteran's depressive disorder remains at a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and major depressive disorder, and granted a 10% disability rating for tinnitus. The Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development and examination, including a review of VA treatment records and an opinion on whether any current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety disorder NOS, panic disorder, and depressive disorder). The low back disability is considered to be due to deconditioning including excessive tone in the lower extremities and weak abdominal muscles. Service connection for the acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as it is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for insomnia, but the denial of this issue remains unchanged.