Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder and unspecified depression disorder, as secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and insufficient evidence to establish a link between the claimed conditions and active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting evidence of record regarding the severity of the appellant's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). A new examination is needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of his MDD.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is considered to be a continuation of symptoms first manifested during service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent effective October 1, 2013, through February 4, 2020.

The Board has remanded four issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including substance abuse and heart conditions. The cases are pending further examination and review.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining addendum opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea and addressing his claims of service connection for a depressive disorder and anxiety disorder.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are denied. The claims for left hand Dupuytren's contracture and carpal tunnel syndrome have been remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding whether the service-connected right zygomatic fracture aggravated the non-service-connected depression.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran asserts that her current mental health symptoms are related to her service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination and updated treatment records, as well as further clarification on the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of major depressive disorder as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability, finding that the earliest possible effective date was April 10, 2006.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and denied service connection for substance abuse disorder. The decision on the latter issue is due to remand as there is no current diagnosis of a substance abuse disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's depression and his military service or any service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine if his current depression is related to service, and whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and the nature of his acquired psychiatric condition. The Veteran is requested to provide additional information about private treatment records, and VA will attempt to verify service dates and stressor claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is granted service connection. The right shoulder tendonitis and left shoulder condition are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a mental disorder and metastatic esophageal cancer due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's depression is being remanded for another opinion considering his reports of stress from aircraft maintenance duties, and the esophageal cancer is being remanded for an opinion on whether it was related to exposure to environmental hazards in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and incomplete analysis of the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder, a mild neurocognitive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with foraminal stenosis and an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), both found to be related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).