Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a total right knee arthroplasty, degenerative disc disease of the lower back, hypertension, migraine headaches (secondary to tinnitus), and depressive disorder secondary to degenerative disc disease was granted. The effective date is set at the date of receipt of the petition to reopen.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, but the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection was denied for alcohol-induced bipolar and related disorder due to its being a result of the Veteran's own willful misconduct (alcohol abuse).,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders (depressive disorder and anxiety disorder) have also been remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the failure to schedule a VA examination. The Veteran was incarcerated at the time of the scheduled examination, but he has since been released.

The Board denied claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disability, cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis, major depressive disorder, prostate cancer, fibromyalgia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder and depression was granted with an effective date of March 29, 2015. The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records, service personnel records, and investigating stressors. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are being evaluated further.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen service connection for bronchial asthma was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for a hematologic disability, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to incomplete medical opinions and potential exposure verification.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for depression has been dismissed because he withdrew his claim prior to the Board making a decision. The case of service connection for bronchial asthma is remanded due to lack of an opinion on its etiology.

The Board has determined that additional service treatment records are needed to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder and knee disability. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his multiple sclerosis. The other secondary service connection claims are also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, but the claims for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease as well as left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is denied. An evaluation of 20 percent for right ankle disability due to penetrating shell fragment wound is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, unspecified depressive disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted with effective dates of November 6, 2012. However, the claim for diabetes mellitus, type II has not met the criteria for service connection.,Bilateral hearing loss is rated at level I in each ear, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was reopened and granted. The right ear hearing loss disability is also granted, while the left ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus are denied.,Service connection for major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, MDD, cannabis use disorder, and stimulant use disorder more nearly approximates a disability picture that resulted in total occupational and social impairment. A 100 percent initial rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and depression. The VA is instructed to obtain service treatment records and seek updated VA treatment records. A new examination is needed to determine if any current psychiatric disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for a new examination. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of a higher rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy and a compensable rating for surgical scar of the lumbar spine.