Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor events and the need for further examination to determine if he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and mood/anxiety disorder, has been reopened. The case is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding the onset of her mental health problems during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied due to lack of evidence showing it was caused by his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for reopening the sleep apnea claim is granted, but the secondary theory of service connection is not met.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD to include major depressive disorder are granted. The appeals for service connection for psychosis, allergies, bilateral hand tremors, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, dry skin, and hearing loss have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with obsessive compulsive traits has been rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The Board found that the Veteran meets the schedular percentage requirements for a TDIU throughout the appeal period.

The Board has decided that more information is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The issues have been remanded for further action.

The Board has restored the 10 percent ratings for thoracolumbar strain, right knee disability, and left knee disability effective September 1, 2014.,The TBI rating was reduced from 10 percent to noncompensable effective October 28, 2014.

The Board has expanded the issue to include all diagnosed psychiatric disorders, and remanded for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's service includes a reported traumatic event involving shooting someone in Vietnam.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, may be related to his service-connected back disability. However, due to insufficient evidence in the record, a new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are secondary to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected bronchitis and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s disability picture did not more nearly approximate the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 6600, and concluded he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his migraines and mental health issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to insufficient verification of the in-service stressor and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was restored to 70 percent effective September 1, 2016. An earlier effective date of December 3, 2014 for a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment throughout the appeals period, resulting in a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's recurrent major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since February 25, 2010. The effective date for the TDIU is also set to February 25, 2010.

Service connection for PTSD with depression is granted. The issues of service connection for left elbow, left knee, right knee, right foot, and right-hand disorders are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease with coronary bypass graft, other specified trauma and stressor related disorder (PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar strain, mild muscle weakness in multiple extremities, and embolic stroke residual, were granted effective from March 31, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for depressive disorder was denied. Service connection for lumbar spondylosis and degenerative osteoarthritis of the bilateral hands were granted, while service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, and lower back pain was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depressive disorders is granted a 70 percent disability rating, effective February 9, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include a back condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is due to his active service and the claim for service connection has been granted. The issue of TDIU will be remanded.