Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with major depressive and substance disorders, as well as the claim for a TDIU due to inadequate evidence from previous VA examinations.

An effective date of November 4, 2004 was granted for a 70 percent disability rating for the service-connected ulcer disability. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to September 21, 2005 was denied.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), migraine headaches, diverticulitis with surgical scar and hemicolectomy, hypertension secondary to diverticulitis, and depression secondary to diverticulitis have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to November 30, 2015 for service connection for depression and radiculopathy of the lower extremities have been denied as these claims were not filed before that date.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to November 30, 2015 for service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities have also been denied. The Board notes there was no objective medical evidence of radiculopathy or other neurological disorder of the lower extremities prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for scoliosis and anxiety/depression due to missing service treatment records, particularly those from Keller Army Hospital where he was treated for a clavicle fracture and potential training accident. The Veteran is also seeking VA examination for his psychiatric conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety and PTSD, is related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's VR&E benefits claim was remanded due to the need for a functional capacity evaluation considering his service-connected disabilities and its impact on employment.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are also being remanded.

The Veteran's son is seeking benefits based on his permanent incapacity for self-support due to a mental disability. The appeal is remanded as the evidence does not clearly show if he became permanently incapable of self-support by reason of a mental condition prior to attaining 18 years of age.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current left ear hearing loss disability or psychiatric disability that is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of records from the Veteran's service, including mental health treatment in 1977 at a U.S. Army hospital in Nuremburg, Germany.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, and the TDIU claim is granted. The left elbow disability issue remains pending due to a lack of VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for depression. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include depression, anxiety, and MDD, to include as secondary to the service-connected right rotator cuff sprain is remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder are now rated at 70 percent, effective April 6, 2017. The claim for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted as new and material evidence was submitted. Effective dates for the other issues remain pending.

The Veteran's service connection claims for myotonia congenita and adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

PTSD claim was withdrawn by the Veteran during a hearing before the Board.,Depressive Disorder rating increased from 30% to 50% prior to November 28, 2018, and then to 70% beginning November 28, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete records and need for further medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied. The effective date will be fixed in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than June 12, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, and depressive disorder have been denied. The effective dates for the grant of service connection for lumbar strain and depressive disorder have also been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30% for his depressive disorder has been denied. His claims for initial disability ratings in excess of 10% for his left knee and right knee conditions, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded.