Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and psychosis resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not total impairment. The initial rating for PTSD was denied.,There is no effective date prior to June 29, 2016 for the grant of service connection due to lack of timely receipt of a claim form.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development and examination, including verification of an in-service stressor and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, a low back condition, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including unspecified depressive disorder and musculoskeletal conditions, are alleged to have caused his obesity and subsequently led to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an opinion on whether the Veteran's OSA was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety, is granted. The claims for residuals of prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure are remanded. TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is denied as there is no competent medical evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other specified trauma-and-stressor related disorders. The decision also grants service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, but remands these issues due to the need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status, finding that his service-connected disabilities alone do not necessitate regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD, to include depression, was productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to August 14, 2017. The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for the period prior to August 14, 2017.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are rated at a 70 percent since February 19, 2015. For the period from February 19, 2015 to May 29, 2017, he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and MDD, based on the Veteran's reported in-service stressors related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his deployment in Eastern Africa.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed adjustment reaction with mixed anxiety and depression is secondary to his service-connected bilateral lower extremity frostbite, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are related to his service. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's syncope and vasovagal reaction are not service-connected.,IBS and diverticulitis do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,Bilateral ingrown toenails, multiple nevi on back, and eczema do not warrant higher evaluations.,Left shoulder strain does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.,Obstructive sleep apnea requires use of a CPAP machine but does not warrant a higher rating.,Migraines are evaluated based on very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, meeting the criteria for a 50% evaluation.,Major depressive disorder with insomnia meets the criteria for a 70% evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his migraines, major depressive disorder with anxious distress (PTSD, anxiety disorder, memory loss), and traumatic brain injury. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability from the other issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any of the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to service.

The Veteran's ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were each increased to 40 percent effective September 11, 2017. The rating for the period prior to September 11, 2017 remains on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for a VA examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety, bipolar, and depression mental health are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and anxiety), cervical spine DDD and IVDS, left ankle OA, and OSA as secondary to cervical spine DDD and IVDS have been granted.,New evidence has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened, but the issues of service connection for various disabilities remain pending and need to be remanded for further development.