Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and gastrointestinal disability due to insufficient evidence. The effective dates for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits are denied as they were assigned on May 26, 2012.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no longer has jurisdiction over the case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral leg pain, major depressive disorder, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, tension headaches, and left shoulder strain must be remanded due to inadequate examination reports and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, are related to his service. The claim is reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the medical evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric condition and its relation to service or a service-connected disability. A new examination is needed to clarify these issues.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection, a higher initial disability evaluation for PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse, and TDIU were all denied. The Board found that the earliest date of claim was February 10, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder was granted effective May 20, 2017. The decision found that there was new and material evidence to reopen her original claim from 1996.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, headaches, and persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress have been reopened. The claim for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded for additional development.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches are also being remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressor and need for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety and depression is granted. The claims of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, left knee and back disorders are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating, effective as of the date of decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for depressive disorder, TDIU, and service connection for sleep apnea due to potential new evidence and need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and insomnia due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors. The claims are also being remanded to determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, MDD, Anxiety, and Mood Disorder due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been granted a disability rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the August 2017 rating decision. Additionally, the Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD has been granted. The claims for service connection for a right elbow disability, low back disability, and right knee disability are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, depression and bipolar disorder is remanded. Other claims are also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and insomnia as secondary to major depressive disorder, but denied service connection for chronic fatigue disorder.