Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection was granted for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, but denied for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder but has remanded the issue of service connection for an eye disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with verifying an in-service personal assault stressor and for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's application for a grant of specially adapted housing or special home adaptation was denied as he does not meet the criteria under VA regulations, specifically due to his service-connected sarcoidosis not being caused by an inhalation injury.

The Veteran's major depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected HIV. The effective date for the grant of service connection for HIV is remanded.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 40 percent, effective from the date of the decision.,Residuals of CVA with right lower extremity weakness and numbness are now rated at 40 percent, effective since March 27, 2008. The left lower extremity weakness and numbness remain rated at 30 percent, while the right upper extremity weakness and numbness is also rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for a bilateral eye condition, right hand disability, and acquired psychiatric disability (excluding depression), including PTSD due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was granted a 70% rating from March 31, 2016. The claim for increased ratings and TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence and depression has resulted in occupational and social impairment, leading to a TDIU effective September 7, 2016. An earlier effective date of January 28, 2016, for the assignment of a 70% disability evaluation is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depression, finding that there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, erratic sleep patterns, muscle tremors, and body aches as due to Gulf War undiagnosed illness. The claims are now remanded for further development.

A higher 20% rating for Erectile Dysfunction is granted, but service connection for Hearing Loss and increased ratings for Persistent Depressive Disorder are denied.,Persistent depressive disorder remains at a 30% rating prior to June 4, 2018, and at a 70% rating since that date.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to her in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD and coronary bypass surgery residuals are rated, but the initial rating for PTSD is denied. The effective dates for service connection are also denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The appeal is dismissed because the Veteran has already been granted service connection for depression and PTSD, which encompasses her claimed psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include an antisocial personality disorder, should be remanded due to inadequate VA examination and medical opinions. The claims are being remanded for additional examinations and opinions covering all relevant time periods.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, as well as a claim for TDIU. Further development is needed to complete these matters.