Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression has been reopened. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether his acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service, particularly his combat experience during deployment in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a depressive disorder, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's mental health diagnoses during his appeal period. The Veteran needs a supplemental VA opinion to determine if any of his diagnosed conditions had their onset during service or are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to October 13, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a mood disorder; and for a cardiovascular condition, including hypertension. The claims are being remanded to provide proper notice regarding personal assault claims and to obtain new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including manic disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, paranoia, and major depression with psychotic features, has been granted. The effective date is not specified as the decision was made in March 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches is granted. The Veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine the current diagnosis and etiology of any psychiatric disorder found to be present.

The Veteran's DMII is rated at 20 percent, and his bilateral lower extremity PN prior to October 13, 2017 are each rated at 20 percent. Effective October 13, 2017, the Veteran's left and right lower extremity PN are both rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran is granted separate ratings of 30 percent for his left upper extremity PN and 20 percent for his right upper extremity PN as of October 13, 2017. Service connection for depressive disorder due to another medical condition with depressed features secondary to service-connected disabilities is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and schizoaffective disorder, are related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are at least as likely as not related to an in-service event.

The Board denied the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence that any current psychiatric conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's coronary artery disease remains on appeal as it has been rated at 30 percent since June 2016.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and schizophrenia. The case is remanded for further development and a VA opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, dementia due to head trauma, and polysubstance abuse was denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-5 criteria or any other acquired psychiatric disorder caused by service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to depressive disorder, TDIU, and service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's claimed back condition clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service.

The Veteran's DDD with spondylolisthesis of L5-S1 is restored to a 40 percent rating.,Service connection for depressive disorder, sleep apnea, and headaches are granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities.