Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and remanded the remaining issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated lower extremity conditions render him housebound, meeting the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and he is now entitled to a rating of 60% for his heart disability. The issues regarding prostate disability and TDIU prior to December 3, 2014 are also resolved in his favor.

The Board denied the Veteran's applications to reopen claims for service connection for a lung condition, thoracolumbar spine degenerative changes with spondylosis (upper and lower back), a mental condition to include depression, and dental surgery due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. A TDIU was granted as of April 10, 2018.

The Board has denied service connection for pseudo-seizures related to stress due to anxiety and panic attacks associated with major depressive disorder, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these symptoms and the Veteran's service-connected condition. The case is remanded for further review of the rating for major depressive disorder and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbosacral strain, leg limitation of flexion of right knee, cervical strain, and major depressive disorder as they were not found to be related to active service or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's major depressive disorder is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The claim will be reviewed again with a new examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, including as due to a service-connected left knee disability; right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome; and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (depression).

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The issues include colon cancer, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, anxiety, and PTSD), cysts in or on kidneys, and recurring rash.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a left wrist and/or hand disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety, memory loss, bipolar disorder, depression, attention deficit disorder), and hypertension. The Veteran's complete service treatment records must be obtained to determine if he had any active duty or training service that could affect his claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an incomplete examination and the need for a new opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The appeal on the issue of entitlement to service connection for residuals of head trauma is dismissed. The Veteran's headaches are granted as a current disability resulting from an in-service injury. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and/or PTSD, is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding its relationship to service. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is remanded for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that there was no credible evidence linking his current mental health conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for PTSD, anxiety, and depression was denied. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is denied as his major depressive disorder and alcohol/cannabis use disorders are found to be secondary to substance abuse. The Board also determined that he does not meet the criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active service and there is no evidence of a chronic disease within one year of separation. The Veteran's current hearing loss is attributed to the natural progression of aging.,There is no evidence that the Veteran has a head scar or TBI related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. Her acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is found to be related to her military service.