Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a seizure disability has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional verification of in-service stressors, as well as a review of his psychiatric records. The matter of service connection for Depressive Disorder will also be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine the nature and etiology of all diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including whether any are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his major depressive disorder, left hip strain, and left hip limitation are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral TMJ is dismissed. The claim to reopen service connection for anger problems (claimed as depression and memory loss, and chronic adjustment disorder) has been granted. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, CFS, and sleep disorders are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD under DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. The Veteran will be asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain private treatment records and a retrospective opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if service connection can be granted for a lumbar spine disability, an acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder), and erectile dysfunction. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to the Veteran's inability to attend VA examinations and the need for additional medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various disabilities, a reduction of the rating for prostate cancer residuals, and TDIU. The Veteran's claims are pending and need further investigation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been reopened. The restoration of the 10 percent rating for post-operative release trigger finger is granted.,The Veteran’s left upper extremity radiculopathy with numbness remains at a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for rash and major depressive disorder due to insufficient nexus opinions provided by VA examiners. The Veteran is requested to provide an addendum opinion regarding the onset of his rash during service, its relationship to his current condition, and whether his major depressive disorder is related to in-service events.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for scars of the right and left groin is denied.,A higher initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for service-connected psychiatric disability (depression schizoaffective disorder) with alcohol abuse in remission is granted effective May 28, 2011.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and evaluations are needed for the Veteran's service-connected conditions, as well as to address his claims regarding PTSD and major depressive disorder. The appeals will be remanded.

The Veteran's discharge was due to a service-connected disability, and he meets the eligibility requirements for VA educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee disability, depression, and erectile dysfunction due to incomplete examinations and insufficient opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was granted effective January 7, 2016. The date entitlement arose for this condition is determined to be 2003.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to his death prior to the issuance of an appellate decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, major depression, and bipolar disorder, may be related to service. However, a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.