Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD did not result in total occupational and social impairment, so the claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent was denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran was previously diagnosed with PTSD and other conditions but there is insufficient evidence linking these diagnoses to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse produces severe, but less than total, occupational and social impairment. The Board denied a higher disability rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The case is being returned to the RO for further development, including verifying in-service stressors, obtaining military personnel records, providing appropriate notice regarding personal assault claims, scheduling a VA examination, and obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and evaluations of various conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression is causing occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.,Service connection for sleep apnea as caused by service-connected PTSD with depression has been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to an increase rating in excess of 70 percent for major depression, recurrent; entitlement to TDIU; and entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to incomplete development. The issues are intertwined and require further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disability, hepatitis C, and migraines has been reopened. The rating for hepatitis C remains at 20 percent as the evidence does not support higher ratings due to lack of symptoms such as weight loss or incapacitating episodes.

The appeal is granted as the NOD received on April 17, 2015 was timely and contests the denial of service connection for spondylosis/spondylolisthesis, depression, sciatica/radiculopathy, hypertension, and total disability rating based upon individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression has been granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective January 8, 2015.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a skin disorder and psychiatric disorders, including as secondary to chemical exposure. The Veteran contends he was exposed to trichlorethylene (TCE) while in service and that this led to health issues such as skin disorders and PTSD or depression.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The claim for hypertension has been remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability, including DDD and HNP, is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of separation from service or due to a disease or injury in service.,Her bilateral hip disability, including GT bursitis, is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,The Veteran's bilateral dry eye condition (DES and conjunctivitis) is not service-connected as she was not diagnosed with this condition until after separation from service.,Genital herpes is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her gynecological disability, including uterine fibroids, bilateral ovarian cysts, pelvic adhesions, dysmenorrhea and post-partner infection, is not service-connected as she was not diagnosed with this condition until after separation from service.,Her psychiatric disorder (PTSD due to MST and depressive disorder) is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her headache disorder is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her respiratory condition (asthma and left hilar lymphadenopathy) is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development and review of financial eligibility for special monthly pension (SMP) based on aid and attendance/housebound.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and an increased rating for his depressive disorder with secondary alcohol abuse are remanded. The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is being considered on a direct basis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability was granted with an effective date of December 5, 1981. His claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder was also granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD are related to his service in Vietnam. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.