Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was granted a rating of 70 percent prior to February 21, 2017.,The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is denied for any rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's reported stressors for PTSD. The case will be reviewed again after verifying the stressor events.

The Veteran's residuals of hysterectomy are granted, while her left ankle disability (secondary to service-connected right ankle strain), right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, lumbar strain, major depressive disorder, and migraines remain remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any current mental health disabilities, including PTSD. The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being reviewed.

The Veteran's initial claim for sleep apnea was denied in July 2007, but he filed a new application to reopen his claim on December 15, 2010. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for sleep apnea.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are considered at least equally severe as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the remaining claims on appeal, including service connection for sleep apnea and cutaneous lupus and skin cancer.

The Board previously denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, but the Court has ordered remand due to VA's failure to obtain relevant private treatment records. The Veteran needs an examination and additional information about his psychiatric condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder not otherwise specified and alcohol dependence due to service-connected PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation or causation.

The Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied because the new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim. The evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has remanded three issues: initial rating for PTSD, TDIU, and service connection for the cause of death. Additional medical records are needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, depression, and an initial compensable rating for hepatitis B due to a lack of examination. The claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied as the Veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate.

The Veteran's service connection for major depressive disorder is granted. Increased ratings are granted for his low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy from May 27, 2016. A TDIU determination is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for depression has been denied. The Board remanded the cases regarding TBI and right wrist disability due to lack of current treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for her anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD and depression) was dismissed because she agreed with the assigned 70 percent disability rating, which covers the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine if his current acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service or a stressor during service.

Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, with Dr. V.Z.'s opinion being considered persuasive.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been granted service connection with an effective date of March 21, 1996. The Board also found that the Veteran has other disabilities for which he is already receiving service connection.,Service connection was established for sleep apnea and major depressive disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a variety of psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's combat service.