Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are all granted as secondary to his service-connected musculoskeletal impairments.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied as there is no credible supporting evidence of a personal or sexual assault during military service that caused his current psychiatric conditions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran did not have a verified in-service stressor and his current diagnoses were not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and personality disorder. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and an initial disability rating greater than 30 percent for persistent insomnia disorder, as well as the TDIU claim. The AOJ must obtain updated VA treatment records, seek authorization for private psychiatric care records, schedule appropriate VA examinations, and provide a VA psychiatric examination to address the current nature and severity of the Veteran’s service-connected skin conditions, hypertension, right lung condition, diabetes type 2 and residuals (including peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and voiding dysfunction), as well as his ability to work. The AOJ should also include the issue of whether service connection is warranted for MDD in their readjudication.

The Veteran's Bell’s Palsy is denied as there is no current diagnosis.,Service connection for OSA is granted based on in-service onset and current diagnosis.,Service connection for bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is granted due to in-service onset and current diagnosis.,Service connection for MDD, with anxious distress, is granted based on in-service onset and current diagnosis.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, to include sleeping problems due to new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for a back disorder, residual scar, reactive airway disease, and increased rating for left lower extremity complex regional pain syndrome are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Schizotypal Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Stimulant Use Disorder (cocaine) in sustained remission are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new or addendum VA mental health examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the etiology of his drop foot, bilateral shoulder, knee, and hip disabilities. The Board also notes that the Veteran has claimed exposure to Agent Orange but does not specify which conditions are related.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected rhinosinusitis and major depressive disorder. His rating for major depressive disorder from January 9, 2015, is granted at 70 percent. The issues of right knee disability, residuals of left testicle surgery, and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, but dismissed the claims for hypertension and insomnia as the Veteran withdrew his appeals during a hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's September 2014 VA examination was inadequate and a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion addressing his hospitalizations in March 2014. The AOJ did not comply with the Board’s remand directives, so a new VA psychiatric examination is needed.

The Veteran's appeal for high cholesterol and hepatitis C was granted. The cases of digestive problems, stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver with weight loss (related to hepatitis C), heart disease, hypertension, fatigue, renal complications, and chronic depression are remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at a 50 percent disability rating, effective prior to November 2, 2013. A higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of evidence and need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, cyclothymic disorder, and depression due to a lack of current medical diagnosis and no link between his conditions and in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, and secondary service connection of acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's testimony and VA examination reports are considered credible, but further medical opinions are needed.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and unspecified depressive disorder. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with panic disorder and major depressive disorder was granted effective March 18, 2013. This decision is based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran in March 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allegations of military sexual trauma during service are credible and have found sufficient evidence to diagnose her with PTSD and MDD, finding them likely due to her in-service experiences. As a result, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.