Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for a right shoulder disability, hypertension, asthma, major depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus, kidney and heart disabilities (secondary to hypertension), headaches, vertigo, and temporary total rating are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence or examinations.,The Veteran’s hypertension is being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding its onset and whether it is related to service-connected conditions. The examiner must also determine if her hypertension is aggravated by her service-connected right shoulder disability.,The Veteran's asthma is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on whether she had breathing problems during service that could have led to her current condition.,The Veteran’s major depressive disorder is being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding its onset and whether it is related to service-connected conditions. The examiner must also determine if her depression is aggravated by her service-connected right shoulder disability.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on whether she had sugar in her urine during service or if her condition is aggravated by her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran’s kidney and heart disabilities (secondary to hypertension) are being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding their onset and relationship to her hypertension.,The Veteran's headaches and vertigo are being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on whether they are related to her cervical spine disability. The examiner must also determine if her conditions are aggravated by her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran’s temporary total rating is being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding her need for convalescence following surgery.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, to include depression, anxiety and panic attacks, as due to MST was reopened. The Board found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current PTSD is related to an in-service sexual trauma incident, thus granting service connection.

The claim of service connection for PTSD is reopened, but the Veteran's current diagnoses are unclear and conflicting. The Board has decided to remand the case for a psychiatric examination to clarify the nature and etiology of any posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's depressive disorder and to determine if he qualifies for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran was granted an initial rating of 70 percent for his psychiatric disability prior to June 1, 2015.,A higher rating in excess of 50 percent is denied for the period beginning June 1, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 100 percent, and her additional service-connected disabilities combine to be ratable at 60 percent or more. Therefore, she is entitled to a 100 percent rating for PTSD and SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a depressive disorder and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. As his combined rating is at least 60%, he meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder is at least as likely as not related to a personal assault in service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including arthritis in his hands and fingers, a psychiatric disorder, arthritis of his hips, cervical spine, left knee, wrists, and right knee. The issues of arthritis of the bilateral hips, cervical spine, left knee, and bilateral wrists have been remanded due to insufficient medical opinions. The issue of hypertension has also been remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 70 percent prior to August 26, 2005 and from August 26, 2005 to July 12, 2006. From July 13, 2006 onwards, the rating remained at 70 percent.

The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as dysthymia or depressive disorder, is granted. However, the rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran is required to provide an addendum opinion from a qualified medical professional using DSM-5 criteria.

Service connection is restored for depressive disorder, and the Veteran's claims for residuals of uvulectomy, obstructive sleep apnea, cervical spine disability, and degenerative disc disease of the lower back are all granted.

The Veteran's service-connected depression and left knee disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since February 24, 2013. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including Chiari malformation and its secondary effects. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for Chiari malformation.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder prior to October 13, 2011 and remanded issues concerning initial rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 21, 2015, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter for depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including TBI residuals, PTSD, hearing loss, ocular migraine headaches, cervical spine disability, skin cancer, and others, were denied as the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee internal derangement and an acquired psychiatric condition (unspecified depressive disorder) due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether these conditions were aggravated by service or caused by a pre-existing condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and related conditions including depression and ADHD, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence in favor of a link between these conditions and his military service. The Veteran's diagnosis of PTSD was linked to his role as a flight medic during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Veteran's basic eligibility to VA loan guaranty benefits is denied due to not meeting the minimum active duty service requirement of 24 months, and his discharge was due to asthma which is not a service-connected disability.