Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression and anxiety, is rated at 70 percent disabling. The TDIU claim prior to July 20, 2011, was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have made him unable to secure and follow gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU rating. However, additional evidence is needed from SSA records and VA examinations to clarify the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of medical nexus opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities and incomplete SSA records. The Veteran is currently diagnosed with major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, and an examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective date for PTSD and depressive disorder, and a higher rating for PTSD.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD is denied as there was no prior communication before April 12, 2016.

The Board has determined that additional action is needed due to the inadequacy of the April 2013 VA examination and July 2015 VA medical opinion. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities need to be re-evaluated by a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, and depression is granted. The Board found that the evidence was at least in equipoise as to whether there is a link between the Veteran’s current symptoms of PTSD and his in-service stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder of unspecified depressive and anxiety disorders, finding that the Veteran's symptoms during deployment are more likely than not a direct result of his experiences while deployed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, brain damage, an eye disability, a sleep disability, a gastrointestinal disability, and headaches. The claim for erectile dysfunction was remanded.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's claims, including those for service connection and ratings, due to his death.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, depression, an eye condition, and a respiratory condition due to in-service service. Additional development is needed including obtaining medical records, providing notice regarding Persian Gulf War service, and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection are denied.,The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for prostate cancer, anemia (claimed secondary to hiatal hernia and GERD), and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The claim for TDIU prior to June 1, 2013 is denied as the Veteran was gainfully employed during that period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including a depressive disorder and gambling disorder, were not incurred in service. The Board found no causal relationship between the current conditions and any incident of service.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder, special monthly compensation based on housebound status and/or aid and attendance, and TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are remanded due to inadequate examination findings. Additional development is needed, including obtaining treatment records, verifying ACDUTRA service dates, and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and schizophrenia, are service-connected due to evidence showing symptoms during and shortly after service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD was reopened, and the claim is granted. A compensable rating of 10% for GERD from July 22, 2009 forward is also granted. The increased rating for migraines remains denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective March 8, 2010. The decision also granted a TDIU beginning on the same date.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current depressive disorder is related to his service. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.