Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service connection claims for TBI and Depressive Disorder are granted, but the claim for PTSD is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, and the effective date for the current ratings remains April 26, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, manic-depressive disorder, and major depressive disorder, finding that there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression/dysthymic disorder, an increased evaluation for PTSD, left elbow tendonitis, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome due to inadequate examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, ADD, PTSD, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, primary insomnia, left knee strain, left shin splint, right knee strain, and right shin splint are all denied. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, which adequately reflects the severity of his condition as it meets the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression (claimed as adjustment disorder), insomnia, and sleep disorder is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected TBI. The cases are being returned for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as a result of exposure to noise during service. The rating for hemorrhoids is increased to 10 percent, effective from February 18, 2019. The acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety) is rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran contends that his current psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is related to service. The Board finds evidence has been submitted which supports that the Veteran’s sleep apnea may have had its onset during service.,The Veteran also contends that he has insomnia, a back disorder, sciatic nerve pain, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder all related to service. He was exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders not including PTSD, finding that there was no in-service event associated with the acquired psychiatric disorders. Service connection for PTSD was also denied due to lack of a verified stressor.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), to include depressive disorder due to in-service stressors. The Veteran's claim is now pending before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of issues related to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, reopening of diabetes mellitus type II claim, and bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting evidence regarding his claimed exposures and need for further verification. The claims are also inextricably intertwined as a secondary claim for mental disorder is dependent on the outcome of the primary claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, specifically PTSD. The case will be reviewed again with additional examinations and evidence.

The Veteran's sinusitis and acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis and migraines, respectively. He is also granted a 10% disability rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for sleep apnea is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. However, the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral pes planus with plantar fascial strain remains remanded as additional medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for service-connected depressive disorder is granted, and service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine is also granted.