Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the case due to disputed diagnoses and allegations of malingering. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, is being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeals for additional examinations and to obtain outstanding VA treatment records. The issues are related to ratings for depressive disorder, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right hip iliotibial band syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is dismissed as moot because he has already been receiving a 100% rating for his service-connected bilateral progressive cone dystrophy and other disabilities, which qualifies him for special monthly compensation (SMC) under Section 1114(p). An award of TDIU would not provide the Veteran with additional SMC benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for pelvic inflammatory disease resulting in chronic pelvic pain and adhesions surgically treated with hysterectomy with scar is denied. The issues of service connection for a low back disability and depression are remanded.

The Veteran's current depression is found to be related to his service, and the claim for service connection for depression is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence to adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Veteran was not provided with a proper VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a disability rating for cervical spondylosis due to incomplete information and need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status and/or the need for aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected PTSD did not render him incapable of performing daily activities or requiring regular assistance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and folliculitis of the scalp and neck were denied. The claim for a separate 30 percent rating for folliculitis from January 11, 2017, was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service and stressors such as sexual assault.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and panic attacks, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, headaches, anxiety disorder, PTSD and MDD due to head trauma during service. The appeal is allowed in part.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore his TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of secondary service connection for depression due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse associated with depression due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to insufficient analysis of his mental health conditions, specifically his service-connected major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified. The case is being returned for a new examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence collection.

The Board has remanded the case due to pending claims for diabetes mellitus, Crohn’s disease, and a heart disability. The psychiatric condition is also being deferred until those issues are resolved.