Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease of both lower extremities, and major depressive disorder due to a lack of relevant Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, is granted. The claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, erectile dysfunction, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an unspecified right foot disorder was denied as the evidence did not show a current disability. The claim for service connection of low back pain, related to his service-connected knee disabilities, was granted.,Service connection is established for low back pain due to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his depressive disorder, NOS, is currently rated at 70 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the service connection claims for residuals of encephalopathy, dementia, delirium, Alzheimer’s disease, and acute alcoholism. The TDIU and SMC claims are also remanded as they may be impacted by these service connection decisions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical examination and treatment records, requiring a new VA examination to determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety secondary to the service-connected back disability. Service connection for a sleep condition is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a right foot disability and major depressive disorder (MDD) with anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The decision also notes that evidence of record supports the conclusion that the in-service injuries were not due to willful misconduct.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and other trauma and stressor related disorder, were incurred in service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated as 40 percent disabling, and he is granted TDIU benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial ratings for depressive disorder, lumbar disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral hallux valgus with bunions have been denied. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, gastrointestinal issues, and migraines.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's conditions, specifically erectile dysfunction, venous insufficiency, stasis dermatitis, depression, anxiety, and their relationship to hypertension.

The Veteran's PTSD was not found to warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to April 29, 2015 or a rating in excess of 70 percent from that date.

The Veteran's MDD is granted as secondary to her service-connected uterine condition. The initial disability ratings for left and right knee strains are denied, with the Veteran receiving a maximum allowed evaluation of 10 percent each. The Veteran's uterine condition is granted at 30 percent prior to September 2, 2015 and at 50 percent from January 1, 2016.

The Veteran is granted an initial rating of 70 percent for a psychiatric disability prior to August 13, 2006. The effective date for this rating is set at July 15, 2002.

The Veteran's service connection for major depressive disorder, tinnitus, and migraine headaches is granted with specific ratings. The rating for migraine headaches is set at 50%, while the rating for major depressive disorder is set at 70%. Service connection for these conditions was reopened based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service, including his wasp stings and verbal abuse in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia, was denied as there is no corroborated in-service stressor. The Veteran's index finger injury to the right hand also did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested in symptoms that caused occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas from April 6, 2016. A disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for Parkinson’s disease and acquired psychiatric disability due to potential exposure to herbicide agents in Subic Bay, Philippines. The Veteran was stationed on the USS Butte from October 1972 to May 1973, which visited Subic Bay during this time frame. However, no concrete evidence of herbicide agent exposure has been found. The Board also notes that a VA examination is needed to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to service.