Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (Persistent depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia) based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder (NOS) with possible psychiatric features, and substance use disorder. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of these conditions or their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neurobehavioral effects and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions, including whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for hypertension, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right legs and feet, and meralgia paresthetica have been dismissed. The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety) has been remanded.

The Board denied service connection for left hand numbness, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, paranoid schizophrenia, and depressive disorder), and injury to the jaw as they were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, left knee condition, right knee condition, dental condition to include dental abscesses, and depressive disorder. The evidence submitted did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate any of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for service-connected adjustment disorder and a higher evaluation for his low back disorder were denied. The Veteran's adjustment disorder is rated at 70 percent disabling, while his low back disorder remains at 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder is being remanded for an updated VA psychiatric examination to assess the current severity of his condition, and for a determination on whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to this disability. The individual unemployability claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression/dysthymic disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, as new evidence was associated with the case file.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional records and potential VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected depression and back disability prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent for the period prior to September 21, 2017 and denied an increased rating.,For the period from September 21, 2017 and thereafter, the Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was rated at 70 percent and denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is granted a 70 percent rating, effective January 6, 2009. An earlier effective date of January 6, 2009 for the 70 percent rating is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for partial transvaginal hysterectomy without oophorectomy was denied.,An increased rating of 100 percent for major depressive disorder and panic disorder without agoraphobia is granted, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards.,The Veteran's claim for an increased (compensable) rating for hypertension was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for migraines was denied.,SMC pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) is granted, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards.,Higher initial ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an increased (compensable) rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia is remanded.,SMC pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) prior to June 23, 2014 is remanded.,A TDIU due to service-connected disabilities from August 1, 2013 through June 22, 2014 is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent for the entire appellate period, and his TDIU claim has been raised but requires further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's depression had its onset during active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence on file regarding whether the Veteran's anxiety, depression, and ADHD pre-existed service. The VA will schedule a mental health examination for the Veteran.

The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD has been reopened and is remanded. The claim for TDIU is also remanded due to the inextricability of the issues.

The Board has ordered remand on both issues due to incomplete compliance with previous instructions. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and thoracic strain rating need further evaluation.