Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, and PTSD) were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and examination regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including depression and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was granted effective January 2, 2017. The Board denied an earlier effective date due to lack of formal or informal claims prior to March 24, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision is based on a lack of clear evidence linking any current psychiatric condition to active service and conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the claimed stressors were not verified.,For Major Depressive Disorder, a rating in excess of 70 percent prior to December 1, 2014, was denied as the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression. The Veteran needs a VA examination to address his lay statements and medical records.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is not service-connected as it did not begin during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury.,Diabetes mellitus was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period; continuity of symptomatology is not established; and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's left knee disability, secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, was not addressed by the January 2013 VA examination. The issue remains remanded for further evaluation.,Bronchitis was diagnosed in January 2018 and is currently under review due to lack of a medical opinion regarding its etiology.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (depression) has not been addressed by the Board as there has been no attempt to verify the in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded several issues for further action, including service connection for sleep apnea and increased ratings for the Veteran's scars. The PTSD claim is also referred to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, particularly his PTSD diagnosis and its relationship to service. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to clarify these issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, as well as sleep apnea secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has found that remand is necessary due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including verification of in-service stressors and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records. Service connection for depression has been granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, an unspecified anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder are found to be at least as likely as not related to his active service.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA eligibility were granted effective September 20, 2010. The Board found that the earliest date when it was factually ascertainable that his service-connected disabilities produced sufficient impairment to make him unemployable.,His service-connected conditions included left arm hypoesthesia and weakness, major depressive disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a left forearm scar, and a right thigh scar.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, need further development due to incomplete medical records and unverified stressors. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for gallbladder disease, status post cholecystectomy and depression to allow for further development. The right knee and left knee disability ratings are also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on tinnitus, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder including a major depressive disorder is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's death did not result in any additional accrued benefits beyond the $7,954.00 awarded due to his increased disability ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression with insomnia, and for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board found that the Veteran’s OTSRD is not related to his service-connected migraines. The TDIU claim was also denied as there was no evidence showing the Veteran's hearing loss or migraines prevented him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects her current level of disability.