Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for further medical examinations and evaluations, particularly regarding his psychiatric conditions, hearing loss, vertigo, low back disorder, and fungal infection of the toes. The Board will provide a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case because there is insufficient evidence to determine whether the Veteran's depressive neurosis is secondary to his service-connected migraines or if it began during service. The examiner will need to provide a more detailed opinion on these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The examiner is asked to determine if these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a disability evaluation of 70 percent, effective June 14, 2016. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted beginning on the same date.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of major depressive disorder was withdrawn. Service connection for right and left ear hearing loss, left knee chondromalacia, skin disability, spondylosis of the back, and sleep apnea were granted. The Veteran's appeals for head injury residuals (right and left shoulders), right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed hip, knee, psychiatric, and low back disabilities. The appeals are also remanded for a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disability is secondary to service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim for service connection for depression was denied. The Board granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a VA examination and additional development of the record, including obtaining any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD due to MST, depression and anxiety, residuals of left knee chipped patella, and right knee condition are all granted as service connected.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder is granted at a 70 percent level, but no higher. The appeal regarding PTSD, right shoulder rotator cuff tear, left knee strain, and TDIU remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder strain and right shoulder strain. Service connection for major depressive disorder is remanded due to insufficient reasoning in the previous VA opinion.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for accrued benefits in excess of $11,989.00 as there was no legal basis to grant this benefit and the appellant is not the surviving spouse eligible for a month-of-death check.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous directives and the need for additional evidence, including VA treatment records and a mental disorders examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death. The appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's suicide was related to his active service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than March 7, 2014 for the grants of service connection for various conditions associated with his back disability have been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence in the claims file prior to March 7, 2014 warranting an earlier effective date.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for spinal fusion with degenerative arthritis of the spine from March 7, 2014 to December 27, 2018 has been denied. The Board found that he did not meet the criteria for such a rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing service treatment records. The AOJ is instructed to request any available medical records from the Ohio National Guard.