Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient information provided by the VA to verify stressors related to his alleged PTSD. The Veteran is also required to undergo a psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service-connected disabilities, specifically depression and muscle relaxers for Depuytren's contracture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's post-concussive syndrome, migraine headaches, and major depression are related to his parachute landing during ACDUTRA in June 1977. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence, TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, and sleep apnea.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and remanded the issue of service connection for depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran was also denied a TDIU as he did not show total occupational and social impairment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development of the record, including obtaining VA and SSA records.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than January 21, 2010 for the grant of service connection for chronic adjustment disorder with mixed depression is denied. The Board found no prior informal or formal claims for service connection before January 21, 2010.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, migraine headaches, and sleep apnea are granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes cavus and other disabilities.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus and unspecified anxiety disorder.,The Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder is granted as related to his in-service diagnosis of adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, but remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and depression, is granted service connection due to exposure to combat during Operation Just Cause in Panama.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied, and the issues of rating his service-connected conditions were remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from April 18, 2012. A TDIU was granted prior to August 1, 2015.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be related to his service-connected stress fractures of the bilateral lower extremities and/or major depressive disorder, but more evidence is needed to determine this.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and adjustment disorder, are granted as secondary to his service-connected cold injury residuals. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU due to the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were partially granted, with some issues being remanded for further development. The decision on chronic fatigue syndrome was denied, while the depression rating was increased to 50% prior to August 12, 2018, and then to 70% thereafter.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's in-service incident and for further examination regarding his psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, alcohol-related disorder, and depression is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent since April 15, 2014.,DM II with erectile dysfunction and proteinuria is rated at 20 percent. The Veteran has been granted a TDIU from January 14, 2013.,CAD status post myocardial infarction remains at 60 percent.,Coronary artery bypass graft does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.