Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for depression and anxiety as secondary to recurring low back strain with degenerative disc disease, finding new and material evidence. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been reopened. The claims for tinnitus and headaches have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for depression with anxiety prior to March 3, 2017. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for depression with anxiety prior to March 3, 2017. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected migraine headaches and tinnitus. His migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective August 8, 2014. The claims for obstructive sleep apnea, back condition, left foot condition, right foot condition, and high blood pressure are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of various extremities and psychiatric conditions. The claims for increased ratings are also being remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to have been incurred during service due to herbicide exposure.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is granted as it is at least as likely as not caused by his diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for a sleep disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression) are denied.,The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to have been incurred during service due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's depression and fibromyalgia are granted as secondary to his service-connected IBS.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, as his depression is aggravated by non-service connected conditions.

The Board has referred the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD and schizophrenia to the RO for further action. The Veteran's claim is remanded due to incomplete medical records and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to corroborate the Veteran's reported stressors and for a VA examination to determine if any acquired psychological disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, and he has been granted a total rating based on individual unemployability since January 1, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence for verifying the Veteran's reported stressors and a need for further examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for nephrolithiasis and PTSD, as well as her claim for TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from August 13, 2009 to November 8, 2013 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The cases are now remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and attempting to corroborate in-service stressors.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including joint condition, muscle condition, fatigue/weakness, hives, insomnia, asthma, sleep apnea, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), headaches, obsessive compulsive disorder, and depressive disorder, all claimed as due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence has been submitted and remands the case for further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diverticulitis with claimed diarrhea/nausea/constipation has been reopened, and he is granted a 50 percent disability evaluation for PTSD and other specified depressive disorder. The initial disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and other specified depressive disorder is denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastrointestinal condition secondary to PTSD is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.