Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected status-post ruptured left anterior ethmoid with residual metal clip, epistaxis, sinusitis, headaches, and left nose and eyelid scar.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of any diagnosed mental health disabilities, including PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his right shoulder condition and an increased evaluation of his left knee disabilities. The decision also granted a higher initial rating for his major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease) is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder) is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's vertigo is granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for an acquired mental health disorder, trigeminal neuralgia, and a right ankle sprain have been dismissed due to the Appellant's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 70% disability rating for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) effective from February 7, 2015. The evidence did not show material improvement in MDD under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence for service connection of psychiatric disabilities and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with a new examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically his anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The Veteran's depression, PTSD, and alcoholism have been granted a disability rating of 70 percent from July 14, 2006 forward.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression. The decision found that there was no evidence of a continuity of symptoms since service or that the conditions began in service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded for further examination to determine if a higher rating or TDIU is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports and need for clarification of additional psychiatric diagnoses related to service. The Veteran's claim is reopened on new evidence, but further evaluation is needed to determine if he meets the criteria for a current diagnosis of PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's initial rating of 100 percent for major depressive disorder and agoraphobia with panic attacks is granted prior to August 4, 2015. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's bilateral foot corns and callosities, headaches, arthritis (both knees), and major depressive disorder are all granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities remain denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been granted a 100% schedular disability rating, effective from January 28, 2015. The low back disability claim is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and/or depression. The examiner is required to provide a new opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and depression due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his anal fistulectomy and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a chronic disease in service or within one year of service, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms since service.,For PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, the Veteran received an initial 70% rating effective December 23, 2015. However, his claim for an earlier effective date was denied as he did not submit a timely appeal or provide new and material evidence within one year of the October 2012 denial.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to decide the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including MDD and PTSD. The Veteran's claims will be further evaluated with a VA examination.