Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and diffuse granulomata of lungs, calcified, inactive and asymptomatic due to new evidence received since the final denial. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's MDD and headaches need further examination to determine their current severity, as there is recent evidence of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent since October 2, 2012. The Board has determined that a 100 percent rating should be granted for the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and re-adjudication of the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms for the period between August 2014 and February 2017 resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher disability rating than the assigned 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and unverified service records. The appellant is required to provide updated information on his service history, correct mailing address, and any private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression was denied in a May 2005 rating decision. The effective date of the current grant of service connection for PTSD is October 29, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, has been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The previous rating decision denied service connection based on the opinion that his current psychiatric condition was not related to his in-service depression.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an increased rating to 70%, and she is also granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of his disabilities, including anxiety disorder, depression, TBI, PTSD, and low back disability, require additional evidence and a re-evaluation. The claims are being remanded to obtain missing VA records, conduct further examinations, and determine the appropriate evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, particularly PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for anxiety, depression, and/or PTSD related to military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity, and right thumb disabilities. The neck disorder, status post metacarpal phalangeal fracture of the right thumb, lumbar fusion with disc herniation, post laminectomy syndrome and lumbar stenosis, surgical scar, mid low back, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity L-5 radiculopathy are all remanded for further examination and rating considerations.

The appeal for TDIU since November 19, 2015 is dismissed as the Veteran has a total rating for major depressive disorder and an award of special monthly compensation (SMC). The claim of extraschedular TDIU prior to November 19, 2015, is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, PTSD, and migraines due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial of these claims.,However, the claims are still being remanded as further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD) and his migraine headaches.

The Veteran's tension headaches are now rated at 30 percent, effective February 6, 2014. The rating is subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards.

Service connection for PTSD with insomnia and depression is granted.,Secondary service connection for a left wrist disability (crepitus and distal radius abnormality) is granted.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service onset or aggravation.,Service connection for right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine disability, low back disability, hepatitis C, and tinnitus has also been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the right knee with foot drop. The claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, left foot condition, tinnitus, and right eye condition are denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted a 70% disability rating, effective April 16, 2008. The Veteran's ventral hernia remains at a non-compensable (0%) disability rating.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is related to his active service in the Republic of Vietnam, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.