Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, based on credible evidence of a personal assault during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that her headaches did not meet the criteria for a 50% rating, and she was granted service connection for depression and an egg allergy. Service connection for TBI and heart disorder were also denied due to lack of current diagnoses.

The Veteran's left shoulder DJD has not been rated higher than non-compensable.,Claims for service connection of chronic pain syndrome, depression, and stomach condition are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to service-connected tinnitus. The claim for vertigo, claimed as secondary to hearing loss and tinnitus, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to outstanding records and a need for an examination.

The appeal for earlier effective dates for service connection of thoracic degenerative arthritis and thoracic scoliosis (claimed as back injury/back strain) is remanded.,The appeal for earlier effective date for service connection of depression is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disability was dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of increased rating for back disability, compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left arm and nerve damage due to pacemaker placement, and special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since February 27, 2013. The claim for an earlier effective date of the rating decision is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma, neck disability, back disability, bilateral hip disabilities, and depression. Service connection was also denied for high cholesterol.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any claimed conditions and finds no evidence to support service connection for these disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to her military service. Specifically, there is a need for an addendum VA psychiatric opinion addressing whether she experienced harassment in service and if any acquired psychiatric disorder or heart condition are related to that experience.

The Veteran's PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder are currently rated at 70 percent. The Board denied an increased rating as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment due to these conditions. The Veteran also sought a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities but was denied as she is able to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression) are granted. The claim for the low back disability is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and depression, as well as a temporary total evaluation for his back disability. The case is remanded to obtain additional opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's depression.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease and unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder, have been granted. The remaining issues are either denied or remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension due to potential issues with evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's depression resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but did not cause total occupational and social impairment. The Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 20, 2011.

The Board has found sufficient evidence to corroborate the Veteran's assertions of sexual assault in service. However, there is no current opinion regarding the relationship between this experience and her current mental health disabilities. A VA examination is necessary on remand.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are rated at 30% prior to October 25, 2016, but a 70% rating is granted from that date. The Veteran's myocardial infarction (claimed as ischemic heart disease due to exposure to Agent Orange) is currently rated at 60%. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.,The Veteran meets the minimum requirements for a TDIU, with combined service-connected disabilities of 70% from August 1, 2013.