Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right wrist condition is related to his service-connected right ankle disability.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is attributable to a service-connected disability (unspecified depressive disorder).,The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder originated during his active service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was restored to a 100% rating from March 1, 2017. The reduction in rating from 100% to 70% was found to be improper due to the evidence showing actual improvement but not sustained under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, secondary to her service-connected lumbar spine disability, was granted. Her PTSD claim was denied. A 20% rating for sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity is also granted.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus. The cases of residuals of a cancerous right shoulder tumor and major depressive disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability and depressive disorder have been granted service connection, but his tinnitus and left knee disability status post total arthroplasty remain at the maximum schedular rating. The Veteran has had issues remanded for further evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea and bilateral cataracts.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder have been granted a disability rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability has also been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, unsteady gait, and abnormalities in mood and affect (unspecified depressive disorder) due to TBI or as secondary to his service-connected headaches disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need of aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's arthritis is not service-connected as it did not manifest during service or within one year of separation and there is no credible evidence linking the condition to asbestos exposure.,There is no current breathing disability that can be linked to asbestos exposure. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed breathing disability, but his shortness of breath was attributed to congestive heart failure (CHF).,The Veteran's headaches are not service-connected as there is no evidence linking the condition to service or any service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's depression is not service-connected as it did not manifest during service and there is no credible evidence linking the condition to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability diagnosed during the appeal period.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from November 8, 2010. The Board finds the evidence supports a higher rating due to severe symptoms and occupational/social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including mood disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, are related to his service. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion based on the presumption that the Veteran was sound at entrance to service with no pre-existing mental health diagnoses.

The Veteran's diabetes is granted as presumptively due to herbicide agent exposure. The hypertension and psychiatric disorders are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for major depression prior to April 11, 2001 and entitlement to TDIU prior to that date are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding her employability.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of fractures of the left and right ring fingers have been granted a 10 percent rating each.,A 100 percent rating for major depression has been denied, but TDIU has been granted.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder with panic/major depressive and alcohol use disorders, finding that her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating due to lack of severe impairment in thought processes or communication.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were granted service connection as they began during active service.,Service connection was denied for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction (claimed secondary to prostate cancer), hypothyroidism, and depression.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to her service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's petition to reopen her service connection claim for PTSD was granted. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and depressive disorder, is also granted. The appeal regarding the increased rating greater than 20 percent for left patellar tendonitis status post partial meniscectomy is dismissed.