Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of MDD has been denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of evidence supporting the claimed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable, as he has been employed in various capacities and the Board finds that his employment is not marginal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to unclear etiology and need for additional examination. The issues include migraine headaches, basal cell carcinoma, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. As a result, the benefit of doubt doctrine will be resolved in favor of the Veteran and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for old myocardial infarction and CAD is denied, as the condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances is also denied, as it does not meet criteria for a 70% rating. Appeals for service connection for back injury, high cholesterol, hypertension, and esophageal condition have been withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically depression and alcohol/cannabis use disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to confirm the Veteran's reported stressor of seeing another soldier drowning during his period of basic training and six weeks of additional training at Fort Lewis, Washington. The case will be reviewed again after attempting to corroborate this stressor.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and the reopening of a tinnitus claim. The tobacco use disorder claim is denied as there is no evidence it is related to active service other than in-service cigarette smoking.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there was no diagnosis of PTSD and insufficient evidence to link any diagnosed conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, a skin disability, and type II diabetes mellitus. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, are found to have been incurred during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened, and it is now granted. Other claims were denied or remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and because they are inextricably intertwined. The Veteran needs to provide updated medical records from his VA treatment.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective as of January 1, 2011. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability has also been granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for major depressive disorder and TDIU are remanded due to incomplete records and need for a new examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression is etiologically linked to in-service stressors, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate February 2016 VA examination and the need for further clarification.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including avoidant personality disorder and persistent depressive disorder, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for chronic lumbar strain, as well as his claim for TDIU due to a lack of adequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of his psychiatric conditions and spine condition. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal due to a complete grant of benefits for his migraine disability, leaving only three issues unresolved: depression, sleep apnea, and lumbar spine DJD. The Board dismissed these remaining issues as per the appellant’s representative's request.