Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the Veteran's assertions of worsening PTSD symptoms since his last VA examination in April 2016. A new examination is needed to determine the current severity of his PTSD.

The Board has found that remand is warranted due to the need for updated VA treatment records and new examinations, as the Veteran's symptoms may have worsened.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and thus denied her claim for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new examination to clarify diagnoses and determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disorder and neurologic impairment of the left upper extremity are found to have aggravated his pre-existing depression, which is now considered secondary to that condition. The claim for service connection for depression is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain outstanding SSA records related to the appellant's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and osteochondritis dissecans of the right knee do not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as she has maintained part-time employment throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood and bereavement with complications, which were incurred in service, substantially contributed to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), sleep apnea, hypogonadism, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disability (depression) have all been denied.,The Board found that there is no evidence indicating a causal relationship between the Veteran's current disabilities and his service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder NOS, and insomnia. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are linked to his in-service combat stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities and his time in service. A VA examination is needed to determine if any of these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and PTSD, but has granted secondary service connection for MDD. The case is remanded to further address the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied because he is not permanently and totally disabled from nonservice-connected disabilities, as evidenced by his continued employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and major depression, due to insufficient evidence regarding his pre-service mental health history and potential service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as the weight of evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, which includes bipolar disorder and depressive disorder. The Board found that these conditions are etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypertension, a psychiatric disability (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety), and a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder, major depressive disorder, and other specified trauma/stressor-related disorder (subthreshold PTSD), as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, were not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic disorder and depressive disorder is granted at a 70 percent evaluation, effective March 14, 2019. The Veteran also received an award of TDIU.