Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and his DIC benefits claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder) due to incomplete development. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records from VA and private providers.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, including her service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and injuries during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in September 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as hepatitis C. The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, is rated at 70 percent disabling. The appeal for a higher rating or an earlier effective date has been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and incomplete information. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to determine if his major depressive disorder and PTSD are related to service. Additionally, records from SSA and complete unit of assignment details need to be obtained.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any such condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of a claimed stressor and for an updated VA psychiatric medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and whether VA negligence in providing medical care contributed to his death. The appellant is seeking service connection for the cause of her husband’s death, which was caused by a combination of diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and other conditions related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is found to be related to service, and service connection is granted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as sleep trouble and depression) is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a back disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disability (to include depression and PTSD) have all been granted.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of psychiatric disability, erectile dysfunction, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine as they have been fully granted by a prior rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) is being remanded due to the need for additional review of recent medical records and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (hearing loss, major depressive disorder, left knee chondromalacia, and tinnitus) have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial and gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and anxiety), finding that his condition is not etiologically related to service or proximately caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is being remanded for an updated examination to assess the severity of his condition, as it has worsened since his last assessment in 2014.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include dysthymia and depressive disorder, is proximately due to his service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee status post arthroscopy. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection are met.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain, chronic laryngitis, and obstructive sleep apnea. The appeals are remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and VA examinations.