Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a head injury, tingling in the left hand, and tingling in the right hand. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include substance-induced depressive disorder, is also denied.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids and for service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol abuse disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.

Service connection granted for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to service-connected diabetes.,Service connection denied for depression as it is secondary to PTSD.,Service connection denied for hair loss presumed to be caused by herbicide exposure (Agent Orange).,Service connection granted for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a left foot condition was denied.,The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for sleep disorder and hallux valgus of the right foot were also denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, alcohol abuse, and depressive disorder NOS. The issues of an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU are also remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board found the GAF scores inadequate for a higher rating.

The Board has not reopened the claims for service connection for anxiety and depression, as new evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including transient ischemic attacks with seizures, diarrhea, involuntary movements, migraine headaches, depression and mental confusion with anger outbursts, and blurred vision, due to lack of evidence of exposure to mustard gas or sarin gas during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case, and the Veteran did not waive initial RO consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with other service-connected conditions, has caused significant impairment in work and social functioning. A 70% disability rating is granted for PTSD from March 1, 2010 to December 6, 2016.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to his service-connected disabilities, which include depression and anxiety, left knee conditions, lumbar spine with IVDS, right knee condition, left lower extremity radiculopathy, removal of gallbladder, residual scar from cholecystectomy, and a surgical scar on the left knee. His combined disability rating is 70 percent.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, obstructive sleep apnea, and a disability to account for memory loss. The Veteran's current knee conditions are not related to his in-service injuries or illnesses.,Service connection was granted for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran’s service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 29, 2016, for the award of service connection for PTSD, a major depressive disorder, a panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder is denied. The case is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his claim for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder with associated major depressive disorder is related to his active service and granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV or DSM-5, and the diagnoses were related to post-service events.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. The Board has also remanded his claims for knee disabilities due to the need for additional examinations and verification of stressors.

The Veteran's urinary frequency, due to his service-connected hypertension and medication use, is rated at 40 percent. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The appeal is remanded due to a violation of VA regulations regarding the conduct of a hearing. The Veteran was not properly notified and did not have the opportunity to attend the hearing.

The Veteran was granted service connection for various conditions, including anxiety disorder and depression, lumbar strain and intervertebral disc syndrome, right lower extremity sciatica, and bilateral hearing loss. Service connection was denied for cervical spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition to include PTSD, major depressive disorder, and major neurocognitive disorder was rated at 50 percent from March 7, 2012, to February 22, 2016. From May 1, 2016, to April 4, 2018, the Veteran's psychiatric condition was rated at 70 percent.