Depression decisions — 2019

Service connection is granted for right foot gout.,Service connection is granted for a bilateral knee condition secondary to service-connected hip conditions.,Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) secondary to service-connected degenerative disc disease with IVDS and lumbar facet degenerative arthrosis and chronic lumbar pain syndrome claimed as lower back condition.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus.,Remand is required for further evaluation of a right thigh disability.,Remand is required for further evaluation of a respiratory condition.,Remand is required to obtain private treatment records and determine the relationship between any kidney conditions (including erectile dysfunction or Peyronie's Disease) and service.

The Board denied service connection for HIV, depression, hypertension, and headaches as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen her service connection claims for OSA, depression, a throat condition (claimed as thymoma), and hypothyroidism. The issues of service connection for these conditions are remanded due to new evidence submitted since the final rating decisions.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent since March 2, 2012. The Board also granted a TDIU rating effective from March 2, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claim due to conflicting evidence on whether the Veteran requires regular aid and assistance of another person or is housebound due to her service-connected major depressive disorder. A new VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, and entitlement to a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are remanded due to the need to consider both former and current rating criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to April 16, 2018 was rated at 70 percent due to significant occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability is considered a contributory cause of his death.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent since October 16, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition has been reopened, and his PTSD with insomnia and unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent effective from February 6, 2015 to June 1, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and major depressive disorder with anxious distress as secondary to service-connected posterior fossa meningioma resection are denied.,The Board has also remanded the claim of service connection for stroke, as it is unclear whether a current diagnosis of stroke exists during the appeal period.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for a new VA examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, is being reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and consideration, including obtaining medical records, conducting examinations, and addressing service connection issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee condition and major depressive disorder due to a lack of medical opinions regarding their relationship to service. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected right ankle sprain and/or tinnitus. The case is being returned due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, lower back disorder, TBI residuals, migraine headaches, PTSD, and acquired psychiatric condition to include anxiety and depression are not related to service. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder due to insufficient information regarding his service stressors. The case will be reviewed with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of all current psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for the low back condition and remanded the issue of increased rating for unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS, and alcohol dependence in full remission is rated at 50 percent from July 10, 2011 to January 30, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. A 20 percent rating is assigned for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral knee conditions.