Depression decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, finding that there is no competent or credible evidence to support a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder is remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records. The issue of TDIU as a result of service-connected disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure is granted. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include depression, is remanded.

The Board has reopened the service connection claim for a left knee disability and remanded both issues of service connection. The major depressive disorder issue is also remanded to obtain clarification on the severity and nature of symptoms.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, are granted as service connected. Service connection for PTSD is denied due to the lack of a qualifying stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if he is entitled to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is denied. The appeal regarding the Degenerative Joint Disease and Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine remains pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, was not incurred in service and the claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received since the final November 2007 rating decision, which relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate claims of service connection for PTSD and a mood disorder. The Veteran's claim is now recharacterized as one for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to missing service treatment records and other issues. The Veteran is being asked to provide additional information about his military service, including any places of treatment during his second period of active service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder (NOS) has been rated at 70 percent since April 11, 2016. Prior to that date, a rating in excess of 30 percent was granted but not for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his PTSD claim, left great toe injury service connection claim, and thoracolumbar spine condition service connection claim are all denied. The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety has been granted a temporary increased rating from August 21, 2012 to February 11, 2016.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension at the aid and attendance or housebound rates was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his functional limitations.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD was denied for higher ratings, and his TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining missing military personnel records and SSA records. The Veteran must also be afforded a new VA examination.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's skin rash is granted as service-connected, but the respiratory disability and kidney disability claims are dismissed without prejudice.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for memory loss as it is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by a service-connected disease or injury. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance was also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for dacryocystitis, bilateral eyes; service connection for a headache disorder secondary to her bilateral eye disorder; and service connection for depression due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines, depression, and physical impairments, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of these conditions.