Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder were rated at 50% from July 13, 2010 to August 6, 2018. The rating was granted as the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's major depression is granted as secondary to service-connected back, knee and shoulder disabilities. The right wrist disability is remanded for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and in-service stressors or events.

The Veteran's tremors are found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.,The claims of secondary service connection for depression and anxiety (including as secondary to tremors) are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for depression has been granted. The Board has also remanded the case due to the need for further development and examination regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including verification of in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are being considered secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for the Director of Compensation Service to determine if an extraschedular rating prior to October 1, 2018, is warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further action due to insufficient medical opinions and evidence regarding the Veteran's left ankle condition, major depressive disorder, and TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and psychiatric disorders due to unclear examination reports, lack of stressor verification, and need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The VA examiner needs to provide an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran’s restrictive pulmonary tuberculosis or genitourinary tuberculosis caused or aggravated any of his diagnosed psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for depression NOS and anxiety NOS prior to February 20, 2014 was denied. The claim for TDIU prior to June 16, 2011 was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder with psychotic features and mood disorder due to TBI was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied as there was no prior claim made before August 23, 2017.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional records and a possible VA examination, as well as the possibility of new evidence being considered.

The Veteran's migraines, depression and anxiety, and traumatic brain injury are all rated at the maximum available under their respective disability codes. The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and a need for further examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been withdrawn. The Board has also dismissed the claim for a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss. The case is REMANDED for further action regarding PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, an unspecified anxiety disorder, and an unspecified depressive disorder has been reopened. The case is remanded to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if he has these conditions and whether they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection was granted, and a 10 percent rating is assigned for degenerative changes to the right ring and little fingers, effective June 5, 2012. The appeal related to his acquired psychiatric disorder, respiratory disorder, and memory loss associated with depression, diabetes mellitus, or medications.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as her diagnosis of PTSD is related to a sexual assault during active duty.