Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current PTSD was incurred in service due to an assault, and his depression is secondary to his PTSD. The claims are granted based on the balance of evidence.

The Veteran's major depression is granted as service connected. The issues of a higher rating for cervical strain and left trapezius strain are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his disabilities, including an examination to determine the etiology of his psychiatric disorder, hypertension, right knee disability, left and right foot disabilities, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and substance use disorder was denied. The effective date of the 70% rating for PTSD is not granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including depression, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a new opinion regarding the relationship between his current conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the claims for residuals of a CVA, anxiety, and depression due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The VA will conduct further examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, headaches, and depression as there was no evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted at 100 percent in a November 2018 rating decision. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is rated as 10 percent disabling prior to May 17, 2017 and 10 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD. The issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating on obstructive sleep apnea is dismissed. His right ear hearing loss is granted, but his lumbar spine and cervical spine conditions are partially granted with restrictions. Other claims remain pending.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed since June 30, 2014. Prior to that date, the evidence does not support a finding of unemployability due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence related to the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for erectile dysfunction and an earlier effective date for major depressive disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder with History of Adjustment Disorder, warrants a rating of 30 percent prior to August 17, 2007. The symptoms include occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to depressed mood, sleep impairment, and difficulty concentrating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, except for a denial of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression, anxiety and PTSD).

The Veteran's headaches are related to a motor vehicle accident during active duty. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depression, is remanded due to the Veteran's reported incident in service where he believes his drink was spiked. The claim of service connection for hearing loss is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include psychiatric disabilities, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted an initial rating of 70 percent, and his TDIU claim for service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD and has remanded his claims for a higher disability rating for PTSD and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder due to additional evidentiary development.