Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension, as it is related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The case will be returned for further development and an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as he engaged in substantially gainful employment prior to December 28, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD, has been reopened. However, the Board denied the claim as there is no probative medical nexus between active service and the current disabilities.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and fibromyalgia are granted service connection. Service connection for RUE thoracic outlet syndrome, LUE thoracic outlet syndrome, and skin disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and incomplete verification of claimed stressors. The Veteran will need a new VA examination for his diagnosed conditions, and any outstanding treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection for various disabilities at a hearing before the Board.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a low back disability with left lower radiculopathy and PTSD, to include depression. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury/illness linked to these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and mild neurocognitive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and notification regarding in-service personal assault stressors. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, MDD, and anxiety, is being considered under direct service connection.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and headaches are being remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of worsening symptoms since the last VA examination. The TDIU issue is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's in-service stressor and to provide a VA examination to identify the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence received after a previous denial, and a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's depression is related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder (claimed as a nervous condition), was reopened due to new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for PTSD and TDIU are remanded.

Service connection for PTSD is granted.,Service connection for unspecified depressive disorder as secondary to service-connected back condition is granted.,The Veteran's multiple joint arthritis claim is remanded.,The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and right knee conditions are both remanded.,The Veteran's left knee strain rating is remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD is granted. The Veteran's fear of losing his life during the USS Enterprise fire is considered a contributing factor in his current diagnosis.,COPD due to asbestos exposure is dismissed.

The Veteran's MDD has been granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective December 29, 2014. The decision also includes a remand for the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and panic disorder is granted a 100 percent disability rating. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea (claimed as secondary to service-connected PTSD and/or back disability) is remanded. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to June 10, 2015 is dismissed due to the grant of a 100 percent rating for PTSD. The issues of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with spondylolisthesis and right knee medial femoral chondromalacia status post tibial osteotomy are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, specifically her PTSD and depression. The case will be addressed on its merits with an addendum opinion from a qualified clinician.