Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and a mood disorder. The evidence does not establish that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU due to incomplete development of records, including VA treatment records and vocational rehabilitation information. The claims will be reconsidered with consideration of whether the Veteran had temporary inability to follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with secondary depressive disorder and alcohol abuse has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Substance Abuse Disorder are granted as service-connected. The TBI claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for bronchial asthma and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and unspecified bipolar disorder, are etiologically related to his service. The claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for depression and a higher rating for anxiety disorder due to insufficient opinions in the previous VA examination.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied.,Right eye laceration is not considered a disability for VA purposes.,Depression is not considered a disability for VA purposes.,Cervical spine disability remains at 20 percent, with no higher rating granted.,Thoracolumbar spine disability remains at 20 percent, with no higher rating granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder with anxiety before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and alcohol abuse due to a lack of VA examination since September 2015. The Veteran will be afforded another opportunity to attend a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examinations and incomplete medical records, particularly regarding the Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI) and any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection has been remanded due to the need for further evaluation of certain issues.

The Veteran's current 30 percent evaluation for anxiety disorder and depressive disorder is insufficient, and his employability due to service-connected disabilities needs further assessment. The Board has decided these issues must be remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to missing Social Security Administration (SSA) records and need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 100% from January 25, 2019, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination for determining service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, and depression.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not compensable, and his major depressive disorder requires further development to determine if a rating in excess of 50 percent is warranted. The TDIU claim must also be remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for adjustment disorder with depression, anxiety, and mild neurocognitive disorder due to TBI. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.