Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The examiner must address whether these conditions are related to an in-service stressor or other service-connected condition.

The claim for service connection for lymphoma and its residuals has been remanded. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder) also needs to be remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder NOS and depression, as these conditions had their onset in service.

The Board dismissed the appeal of service connection for a liver disorder. The Veteran's claim for service connection of depressive disorder was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The claim will be reconsidered on the merits after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbances related to posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression related to posttraumatic stress disorder were denied. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability was also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD and MDD related to in-service stressors such as sexual assault, falling off a gun mount, and participation in military operations.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and knee disabilities. The Veteran will need to provide updated medical records from VA or private providers, as well as any Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A VA examination will be scheduled to assess the nature and etiology of her acquired psychiatric disorders, including whether they are related to military sexual trauma. Additionally, a VA examination will be conducted for both left and right knee disabilities to determine if they are related to wear and tear during boot camp.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are at least as likely as not incurred in service. Service connection was also granted for alcohol abuse secondary to PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including general anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder, is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The Board will now review whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The claim for PTSD is reopened and denied. The Veteran's MDD, already service-connected, remains in effect with a rating of 70%. The claim for SMP based on the need for aid and attendance due to his MDD is also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to missing evidence and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for alcohol use disorder is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, is granted.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, residuals of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), depressive disorder, right ear hearing loss, and sleep apnea. Service connection was denied for left ear hearing loss and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 70 percent for unspecified depressive disorder is granted. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Veteran's Crohn's disease and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) are granted service connection. The Veteran is also granted a higher disability rating for diabetes mellitus type II, but the file lacks sufficient records to determine his current condition during this period. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is remanded. TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development such as stressor verification and a VA examination.