Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are all granted as service connected due to their onset within one year of separation from service or presumed due to Gulf War exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for an effective date earlier than June 19, 2015 for MDD, increased rating for MDD, initial rating in excess of 10 percent for fibromyalgia, and TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression and PTSD are at least as likely as not related to in-service MST, granting service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include schizoaffective disorder, depression, and PTSD. However, it was denied on the merits as there is no evidence linking any current acquired psychiatric disability to active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination regarding his dizziness claim. The depressive disorder evaluation remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it depends on the outcome of the service connection claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and major depressive disorder, which are etiologically related to in-service incidents and combat. Service connection is also granted for left hip, left knee, and right knee disorders, as these conditions are found to be at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by service-connected lumbosacral degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective February 2011. The right inguinal hernia remains rated at 30 percent. A TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability was reopened and granted effective July 13, 2009. His initial rating of 50% has been maintained since then.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.,The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.,The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.,The Veteran's claim for a sleep disturbance is being deferred pending receipt of requested records, but will be remanded if new evidence is received.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for right bicipital tendonitis and tendon repair scars is being remanded due to the need for additional examination.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for right knee strain with internal derangement status post arthroscopy with residual scar is being remanded due to the need for additional examination.,The Veteran's request for a temporary total evaluation is being remanded due to unclear basis of his claim, and will be deferred pending receipt of requested records.,The Veteran's request for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is being remanded due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraines and an acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD) were denied. The rating for migraines remains at 30 percent, while the rating for the psychiatric disorder is also at 50 percent.

Your claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability has been dismissed as the RO granted it in a separate decision.

The Veteran was granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Abuse in sustained remission prior to June 5, 2015.,A higher rating in excess of 70 percent is denied after June 5, 2015.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for herniated disc; cervical spine, with degenerative disc disorder is granted. The Board finds that there is new and material evidence to support reopening of this claim. However, the claim remains remanded as further development is needed regarding both conditions.

The appeal of the issue of service connection for benign prostatic hyperplasia is dismissed.,A total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective from June 20, 2015.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected fractures and tinnitus.,Right ear hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a rating in excess of 20 percent for low back disability was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals on March 25, 2015.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection and increased ratings for hypertension, rectal sphincter control, hemorrhoids, left ear hearing loss, low back arthritis, and bilateral ankle arthritis. The claim for a higher rating for depressive disorder was denied.