Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD with associated depressive disorder requires regular care or assistance, and if so, what specific needs are met by such care.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar DDD has been granted a restoration of a 40 percent rating, effective the date of reduction.,Service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to service-connected lumbar DDD at the L4 vertebra is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted service connection as it first manifested during service.,Bipolar disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and hepatitis C were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a 100% rating as of October 20, 2018, due to total occupational and social impairment resulting from multiple suicide attempts.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The renal dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus was rated at 60 percent, the diabetes mellitus at 20 percent, and the insomnia (now claimed as depression) at 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression disability was previously rated at 50 percent, but the RO reduced it to 30 percent effective December 1, 2015. The Board found that there was no actual improvement in the disability and restored the original rating of 50 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression. The decision found that there was no evidence linking the current diagnosis to his time in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and mood disorder, may be related to his military service. However, due to a lack of definitive evidence in the record, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current anxiety and depression are at least as likely as not related to his service, including his time in Vietnam. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vocational goals are not reasonably feasible due to his ongoing alcohol abuse and psychiatric disabilities, leading to a denial of VR&E services.

The Board has granted service connection for substance abuse disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, finding that his substance use was aggravated by his depression.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on in-service stressors, including military sexual trauma and harassment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety and depression. The other claims of service connection are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues on appeal, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are at issue.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as new evidence did not connect a current disability with service.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities, including depression and back pain. The Board has granted TDIU based on the impact of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back condition and a right hip condition. Service connection is denied for an unspecified depressive disorder and feelings of guilt stemming from an in-service incident. The case is remanded to determine the nature and etiology of any current bilateral testicle conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for a new examination. The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and unspecified personality disorder, is currently rated at 10 percent prior to September 15, 2015, and 30 percent from that date.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to November 9, 2015 for further action. The Veteran's employability during this time frame is being evaluated.