Depression decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no current diagnosis of chronic pain syndrome or an acquired psychiatric disorder due to chronic pain syndrome. The preponderance of evidence does not support the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and he is also granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and MDD). The Board found that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and MDD, which are linked to his in-service stressors. As such, the claim is reopened and granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for kidney failure has been granted. The Board finds new and material evidence that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the Veteran’s claim, which is raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.,The Veteran's duodenal ulcer is currently rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 7305. The Board has determined that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are primarily continuous abdominal pain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, depression, and PTSD. The decision is based on a lack of current diagnosis during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for hypothyroidism and depression and attention deficit disorder have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination and failure to address all in-service stressors. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, as well as TBI residuals, need further evaluation.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent rating, effective July 1, 2014.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the death of the Veteran due to VA medical treatment, finding no evidence that VA's care caused or aggravated his mental condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disability due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the onset of symptoms and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and an unspecified depressive disorder), and GERD have been granted. The claim for sleep apnea is remanded. An increased rating of 60 percent from March 13, 2020 has been granted for GERD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and groin and bilateral testicle pain disorder due to inconsistencies in the evidence of record, including a lack of documentation of service connection for these conditions. A VA examination is required to determine if there is a link between the claimed disorders and active duty service.

The Veteran's migraines, right wrist strain, and MDD have been granted initial ratings. GERD has also been granted an initial rating, but the effective date is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to lack of sufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being reviewed again as it may be related to MST.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and verification of stressors. The claim for high triglycerides is denied as it is not a disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and reasoning regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder and anxiety.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided in this case is inadequate and remands for a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence associated with the Veteran's service treatment records, and for obtaining additional medical opinions regarding his psychiatric disabilities. The issues of service connection, temporary total evaluation, and TDIU are inextricably intertwined and must be addressed together.