Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The issues include a non-PTSD psychiatric disorder, heart disorder, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examination and a need to obtain SSA records.

The Veteran's aid and attendance is granted effective May 14, 2010. The housebound status prior to January 18, 2013 is denied.

The Board denied attorney fees for past-due benefits awarded in July 2013, including service connection for depressive disorder and TDIU. The Veteran claimed H.C. did not provide adequate representation.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for Major Depressive Disorder and Diabetes Mellitus Type II, as well as service connection for Peripheral Neuropathy of the Bilateral Upper Extremities and Chronic Kidney Disease. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to the lack of recent VA examinations for the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and Depression. The Veteran's service treatment records show she was treated for suicidal ideation during her active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, as well as sleep apnea, all secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, and right foot disorder. Service connection was granted for depression and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).,Service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was previously denied in 2010 and not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, finding that his current mental health issues are more likely related to long-term alcohol use rather than military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective June 6, 2016. The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of his TDIU claim due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease with residual depression, cognitive impairment, sexual dysfunction, constipation, incontinence, tremor, muscle rigidity and stiffness of the bilateral upper extremities, tremor, muscle rigidity and stiffness, and bradykinesia of the bilateral lower extremities, stooped posture, balance impairment, loss of automatic facial movements, speech changes, and difficulty swallowing and chewing is rated at 100 percent effective March 17, 2017. An effective date of July 6, 2012, for the grant of service connection for loss of use of both feet is granted.

The Veteran's traumatic brain injury with major depressive disorder and unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder is rated at 70 percent since November 14, 2016. The symptoms have caused significant impairment in work, social, and family relations.

The Veteran died due to methadone and oxycodone intoxication. The appellant seeks service connection for the cause of death, but the Board finds a remand is required to determine if an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service caused or aggravated his polysubstance abuse.

Service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic features, headaches disorder, and sleep apnea has been granted. Service connection for a left foot disorder is reopened but not granted. Service connection for hypertension was denied.,The Veteran's headaches are secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates, but remanded several issues related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder NOS with alcohol abuse have been granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective September 9, 2010. The decision also addressed the matter of a TDIU due to these disabilities.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer. The initial evaluation for residuals of prostate cancer in excess of 20% is remanded.