Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines is granted, while his claims for other conditions are denied. The Veteran also received a higher rating for anxiety with PTSD.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 100% from April 27, 2016. The rating was granted due to total occupational and social impairment caused by suicide attempts and other symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to February 2, 2018 and denied for a higher rating. As of February 2, 2018, the Veteran's condition was also denied for a higher rating.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is granted a 70% rating, but service connection for PTSD and a back disability secondary to knee disabilities are denied.

The appeal to reopen a claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, is granted. The claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his stressor claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder) are related to service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders have been found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is related to her military service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The decision grants a higher initial rating than previously assigned.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found insufficient evidence to support the Veteran’s assertions of in-service injury or current disability, leading to a denial of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD with depressive disorder and gastritis were dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of these claims.,New evidence was received to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and headaches, but denied service connection for arthritis, gout of the bilateral feet, Hepatitis C, and Hyperlipidemia. An effective date prior to September 10, 2013, is denied for DMII, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal for reopening the claim of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was dismissed. The application to reopen a claim for service connection for depression was granted, but the Board also remanded claims for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression), and sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders found to be present, including depression and anxiety.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, due to a lack of current disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The fracture of the fifth right toe remains at a non-compensable rating. TDIU is granted.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and a TDIU claim. The Veteran's claims are related to his military service, particularly regarding stressors and disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded to obtain an opinion on whether any current psychiatric disability is related to in-service stressors and if it is caused or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia, due to military sexual trauma (MST). The evidence supports the Veteran's account of his in-service assault and resulting mental health issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received after a previous denial of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's STRs and personnel records indicate she experienced MST, but her medical records are inconsistent with her statements about sexual assault. A VA examiner is needed to determine if her acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were related to service.