Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the cases due to inextricably intertwined issues and for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and alcohol dependence is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other mental health condition related to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disorder, and PTSD and depression. A VA medical opinion is needed in each case.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and depressive disorder are found to be the proximate cause of his obstructive sleep apnea, which is granted as secondary to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was denied in a previous decision. New evidence has been submitted, reopening the claim. The case is remanded to determine if there is a relationship between the condition and service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left foot condition, right foot condition, varicose veins, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression). However, the Board denied these claims as there is no evidence linking any of these conditions to service.

The Veteran's right foot disability, major depressive disorder (MDD), and mandible condition have been granted service connection. The mandible condition is remanded for further examination.

Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder.,The claim for service connection for a tonsil condition, low back disability, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, BPH, nerve conditions of the lower and upper extremities, and skin rash is denied.

The Board denied service connection for Antisocial Personality Disorder and Acquired Psychiatric Disorders, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of such severity to preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his service-connected disabilities, including degenerative joint disease of the left ankle, right knee pain status post-surgery, ligament tear of the left thumb, and status post deep vein thrombosis of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD with depressive disorder was denied in 2009, and the decision became final. The Veteran attempted to reopen his claim on February 10, 2012, but he did not perfect an appeal before that date. Therefore, the effective date cannot be prior to February 10, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for coronary artery disease and service connection for chronic depression and memory loss due to incomplete consideration of his claims, including failure to provide an adequate statement of the case (SOC) and insufficient METs testing.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with anxiety and alcohol abuse disorder, finding that there was no evidence showing a direct link to service or another service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an increased initial evaluation of 70 percent, effective from March 13, 2015. A separate TBI evaluation is also granted. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from March 13, 2015 forward is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD features have been rated at 50 percent prior to October 29, 2016. The Board has determined that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient development of evidence, particularly regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability and hypertension. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical records and schedule examinations for a determination on service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has remanded all reopened service connection claims for accrued benefits purposes due to the need for additional records and a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The issues include cause of death, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, PTSD and depressive disorder, bowel condition, and Parkinson’s disease.