Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain and left hip strain. The cases of increased disability ratings for lumbosacral strain, residuals of a left hip strain, and major depressive disorder are remanded.

The Board has granted the reopening of previously denied claims for service connection for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, finding that new evidence supports these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, except for a brief period prior to August 3, 2013 when he was employed. The TDIU claim is granted from August 3, 2013 onwards.

The Veteran's tinnitus, MDD with alcohol substance abuse, and right ear hearing loss have been granted service connection. However, the effective dates for these conditions are October 11, 2016.,The claims of service connection for tendinitis, left ear hearing loss, glaucoma, a thoracolumbar spine disability, COPD, hypertension, carpal tunnel syndrome, sleep apnea, and stomach ulcer remain pending. Further development is needed to determine the current status of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a compensable evaluation for her bilateral foot disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or causal relationship to her active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and Depression are being reviewed with consideration of his service, including any sexual assault allegations.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the October 2017 remand directives and is again remanding this case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, left ear hearing loss, headaches, PTSD, and depressive disorder. The decision also remanded the issue of service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current diagnoses and their connection to service. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and stimulant use were rated at 50 percent. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with panic disorder and depressive disorder associated with irritable bowel syndrome is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to occupational and social impairment. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and bipolar disorder, is granted as service connected. The issues of increased rating for De Quervain's tenosynovitis of the left wrist, initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right knee and left knee are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 21, 2011 for service connection for depressive disorder is granted. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected depressive disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine with stenosis and right myelopathy, and major depressive disorder (MDD) are being remanded due to incomplete procedures. The claim for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.

The Veteran's depression is granted as service connected. The cases of right knee disability, asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating of 30 percent for major depressive disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show symptoms or impairment that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his depressive disorder and for a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The earlier effective date claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been granted, and he is now entitled to a TDIU rating. The initial disability rating will be assigned by the RO, followed by consideration of an extraschedular TDIU rating if appropriate.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim due to insufficient evidence, and a need for further examination.