Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity disabilities render him nearly so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, diagnosed as inflammatory facet joint arthropathy. The appeal was dismissed for the issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and chronic depression.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in a 70 percent disability rating since August 18, 2016. The Board has found that the evidence does not support an increase in rating or earlier effective date for the PTSD rating.

The Veteran's brain tumor, headaches, depression, sleep disorder (insomnia), and seizure disorder are all granted service connection as secondary to the primary condition of a brain tumor. The Veteran also has service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the evidence is sufficient to trigger the duty to provide a VA examination to determine whether any diagnosed mental disorder is related to or was aggravated by service. The Veteran's statements and medical records support this determination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for a new examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar disorder are being reviewed.

The Veteran's request to reopen her service connection claim for hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease is denied. Her request to reopen her service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder is granted. The Veteran's request to reopen her service connection claim for migraine headaches is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and granted an initial rating of 100 percent for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) prior to April 8, 2016.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD is granted as secondary to his service-connected celiac disease and chronic epididymitis. His initial claim for a stomach condition was denied, but he now has service connection for celiac disease effective from November 30, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran needs to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression). Right ear hearing loss is found to be aggravated by service. Service connection for left ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder are not granted as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression and PTSD has been reopened, and the Board finds that his current psychiatric disability is related to his military service. His claim for a higher rating for his left ankle disability remains denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of depression.

The Veteran's ED is caused by his service-connected conditions and the medications for those conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. Service connection is denied for alcohol abuse and cannabis dependence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of Major Depressive Disorder and the associated TDIU is granted with effective dates of January 23, 1996.

The Board has remanded all issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims for additional development. The dismissal of the claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder (also claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder) is due to a full grant of benefits in March 2018.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but denied it as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and no evidence linking depression or anxiety to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining missing service records and scheduling a VA examination to address the diagnoses and etiology of all acquired psychiatric disorders.

The appeal for service connection of abnormal heart has been dismissed.,Service connection for residuals of a back injury is granted, but the claim remains denied on the merits.