Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

All initial claims for increased ratings were dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal. The restoration of a 50% rating for major depressive disorder was granted effective December 1, 2015. Earlier effective dates of May 22, 2014 were granted for increased ratings for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded her from securing and following substantially gainful employment since September 19, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to the unverified in-service stressors.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (exclusive of PTSD and Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder), to include MDD, was also denied as there is no evidence linking his current symptoms to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, foot disability evaluation, and major depressive disorder rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for major depression with mixed anxious distress, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, and migraine headaches were denied. The Board found that the severity of the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD is granted. The issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder arthritis and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) should be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD).,The Veteran's major depressive disorder, NOS is found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination regarding the Veteran's mental health conditions, specifically PTSD and depression.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and preparing retrospective opinions regarding the Veteran's depressive disorder and diabetes.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia and an acquired psychiatric disability (excluding PTSD), including depression, have been withdrawn. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a TBI with headaches, vision disturbances, and memory loss has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder, including potential stressors during service. The Veteran will need further examination and development of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his psychiatric condition, including anxiety disorder (NOS) with features of PTSD and mild recurrent major depressive disorder, was denied by the Board. The evidence showed that the Veteran’s conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder, was denied in January 2002 and became final. The Veteran reopened his claim on April 15, 2014, after a VA examination diagnosed him with recurrent major depressive disorder. Service connection was granted effective from April 15, 2014.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for hernia condition, thoracolumbar spine disorder, psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD), right shoulder disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The remand includes obtaining additional VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination for scoliosis, and requesting an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between current psychiatric disorders and military service.

The claim for service connection of various conditions, including low back disability, psychiatric disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and hand injuries, is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's death is ruled an accident, but the Board finds that a medical opinion is necessary to address whether he had an acquired psychiatric disorder during service and if it contributed to his death. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for syphilis, initial rating for paranoid schizophrenia and depressive disorder prior to August 13, 2012, disability rating since August 13, 2012, and effective date for TDIU prior to August 13, 2012 have all been denied.