Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as he withdrew his claims prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's left shoulder strain and depressive disorder have been granted service connection. The Veteran's depressive disorder has been granted an increased rating of 70 percent prior to August 27, 2018, but not for a higher rating from that date onwards. The issues of service connection for ED, hypertension, right shoulder dislocation, and TDIU have been remanded.

The Board denied service connection for major depressive disorder as there was no evidence linking the current condition to an in-service event or injury, and the appellant's efforts to avoid military service were not considered a valid claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, PTSD, major depressive disorder, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to September 18, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, PTSD, and residuals of testicular cancer and removal of lymph nodes are granted due to presumed exposure at Camp Lejeune. However, the Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD has been reopened and granted, with a 50% rating effective as of an earlier date. Other claims remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC at the housebound rate has been dismissed as the AOJ granted the claim and assigned a full grant of benefits.

The Veteran's breast cancer is rated at 30% and not higher, as the evidence does not show a simple mastectomy or wide local excision with significant alteration of size or form of both breasts.,Her depressive disorder is rated at 50%, which meets the criteria for such rating. However, her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and need for further medical opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, which was incurred during his military service in Iraq, caused his death by suicide. The Board granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her major depressive disorder is remanded due to the need for a current examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and depression, including a lack of verification for stressors. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including OCD, anxiety, depression, and anger management disorder, were not shown to have started during her active military service. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion from a VA examination conducted in September 2012. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) is now pending and requires further development.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted a 70 percent disability evaluation, effective September 9, 2013. The Veteran’s fracture of the right lateral tibial condyle with chondromalacia patella and herniated nucleus pulposus are each rated at 20 percent.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for the right fifth finger fracture and has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, adjustment disorder, and PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically other specified depressive disorder, is caused by his service-connected conditions including headaches, hearing loss, and TBI. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervicitis was previously denied in September 2004 and has not been reopened.,High cholesterol is not a disability for VA compensation purposes, thus the claim for this condition is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (to include depression) is remanded. The examiner should determine if her current diagnosis of depression is related to active duty service or service-connected PTSD and/or asthma.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for heavy menstrual bleeding is remanded. The examiner should determine if the Veteran has a currently diagnosed condition that is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or more) due to her active military service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypothyroidism and bilateral eye disability are both remanded. The examiner should provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service or service-connected PTSD/asthma, respectively.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability is also remanded. The examiner should determine if her current condition is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or more) caused by her service-connected asthma.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left wrist disability, left shoulder disability, left knee disability, GERD, and major depressive disorder with anxious distress were granted effective July 10, 2015. The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of September 14, 2015, finding that this was the later of the date of claim and the date entitlement arose. The Veteran previously satisfied the schedular requirements for a TDIU as of August 5, 2011.