Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and pension purposes due to incomplete procedures, including not issuing a Statement of the Case (SOC) for the new and material evidence issues. The Veteran's psychiatric condition is being examined again, and updated VA treatment records are needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including unspecified depressive disorder, low back pain, neck pain, elbow and knee pain, neuropathy of the hands and feet, and seborrheic keratosis, have been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current disability or link to service for most of these claims.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for unspecified depressive disorder has also been denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, needs further development. Specifically, they need to obtain SSA records and a VA opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed condition.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was reduced from a 70 percent evaluation to a 50 percent evaluation, but the Board has now restored the original 70 percent rating effective January 1, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for Multiple Sclerosis and Depression as secondary to Multiple Sclerosis are both denied, with no new evidence provided to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, but the case is remanded to verify an in-service stressor and determine if a current psychiatric disorder is related to that stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU on an extraschedular basis effective January 17, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder and depressive disorder are related to her service, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service, specifically his reported MST and in-service water event. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine if these events caused any of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The issues include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, migraines, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to a mental health condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression with alcoholism and PTSD (secondary to MST), is remanded due to new evidence received since the March 1997 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals, right fifth metacarpal fracture was denied as the pre-existing condition did not worsen during service.,Service connection for calluses on both feet was also denied due to lack of evidence showing persistence post-service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychological disorder, to include PTSD and depression due to new evidence received. However, the claim is still pending as it needs further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for major depression, PTSD due to MST, and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder have been granted. The decision is based on new evidence received since the previous denial.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and Vet Center treatment records, as well as a need for updated examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for a right inferior pubic ramus stress fracture was denied. An initial rating of 50 percent, but not greater, for an adjustment disorder with depression was granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits. The appeals for bilateral hearing loss and residual scar from a right inguinal hernia surgery were remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on TBI with dizziness, depression, headaches, left knee ITB syndrome and right knee ITB syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.,A VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran’s sleep apnea was caused or aggravated by his service-connected depression.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the Board has ordered a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for other acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The issues include right knee, left knee, low back, right shoulder, psychiatric (depression), post cataract removal right eye disability, and alopecia.