Depression decisions — 2019

The claim for service connection for TBI has been reopened based on new and material evidence. The claims for increased evaluations of the right knee and ankle strain are being remanded, as is the claim for an earlier effective date for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The claim for major depressive disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's right knee strain with chondromalacia was granted an increased evaluation of 10 percent effective October 21, 2015.,The Veteran’s PTSD with major depressive disorder was granted a 100 percent rating effective October 21, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for further medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cause of death, specifically whether his hypertension and service-connected PTSD with Major Depression were contributory causes of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. The Veteran served as a gunner’s mate and testified that he feared for his life during service. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed as to all issues except for service connection for major depression, which has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are related to his military service, including fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left hand disorder manifested by weakness, pain, tingling, and numbness has been reopened. Service connection is granted.,Service connection for major depressive disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient development of evidence, particularly regarding psychiatric and hemorrhoid conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus and depression disorder are granted as secondary to service-connected conditions. Bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastric condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a TDIU based on this.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including left lower extremity condition, eczema, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The claims for service connection will be remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and claustrophobia is granted, but the issue of TDIU remains pending as it requires further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but denied the claim as there is no evidence that his current mental health conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities and whether they are related to service.

The Board has granted the appellant's applications to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for tinnitus and a psychiatric disability, including PTSD with depression and anxiety. Service connection is also granted for these conditions. The appeals regarding left shoulder disability and gynecomastia are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as the evidence does not show any current disabilities related to active service.

The Veteran's dysthymia with associated symptoms of depression is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that this rating does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his disability only results in reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD - non-combat, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD or other psychiatric condition related to service. The reduction from a 100% rating to a noncompensable rating for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was also denied as the evidence showed improvement and remission.