Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 1, 2017. The rating is effective from that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. The AOJ is instructed to attempt verification of a stressor, obtain records related to disciplinary actions, and retrieve any outstanding clinical records from Whidbey Island NAS. A VA examination will be scheduled for the Veteran to determine the etiology of his current psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is granted as service connected.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back injury, left ankle injury, tinnitus, and major depressive disorder. However, these claims are still pending as they have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and MDD due to insufficient evidence, including missing treatment records and a need for another VA examination.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for sleep apnea was granted. His radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic) associated with lumbar degenerative disc disease with radiating symptoms into the left lower extremity is rated at 10 percent, and his major depressive disorder remains at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability level, effective as of the date of decision.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for non-hodgkin’s lymphoma was withdrawn. The Board granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, as he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his multiple conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions and their relation to service. The Veteran needs a new examination to clarify his symptoms and determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's back condition did not manifest ankylosis or incapacitating episodes during the period on appeal. The Board denied a higher disability rating for DJD of the lumbar spine.,The Veteran withdrew his claim for increased tinnitus prior to the promulgation of a decision by the Board.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD/depressive disorder, asthma, tinnitus, and chronic pain related to his service connected injuries.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder should be remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board dismissed the service connection claims for jaw fracture residuals and dental trauma of multiple unspecified teeth. The claim for a psychiatric disability (to include PTSD and major depressive disorder) is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder, an increased rating for right wrist disability in excess of 10 percent from June 7, 2012, and TDIU. The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression secondary to MST, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and compliance with the requirements of Gallegos v. Peake.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and residuals of STD due to outstanding VA treatment records and additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The examiner is required to provide a new opinion on the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete records, including those from VA clinics not yet obtained. The claims are being returned for further examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected tinea versicolor, and thus grants service connection for a psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased level of SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance prior to April 24, 2018 was denied as he did not meet the legal criteria for a full step increase under subsection (p) due to lack of additional single permanent disability independently ratable at 100 percent.