Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient medical evidence and requests for examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The claim for tuberculosis was not reopened, while service connection for low back disability, respiratory disability, and TDIU is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development of records and failure to notify the Veteran and his attorney about the inability to obtain certain documents. The Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric conditions is being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities combined resulted in debilitating effects that rendered him less capable of resisting heart disease.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and failure to address pertinent service treatment records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder and PTSD, are being reviewed for a determination of their relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a heart disorder has been granted. However, the new evidence does not establish that his current heart condition is related to service or exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely encompassing PTSD and Depression) was denied as there is no probative medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for her lower back disability and PTSD, as well as her claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is required to provide updated employment history information, and she will be scheduled for VA examinations to assess the severity of her lower back disability and PTSD.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, has been granted. The Board has also remanded the case for further development and examination regarding his bronchial asthma and PTSD claims.

The Veteran's low back disability, including myofascial pain syndrome and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, has been rated at 20 percent. The Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or nearly approach criteria for ankylosis or limitation of forward flexion to 30 degrees.

The Veteran's mental disorder with depression and anxiety is currently rated at 50% prior to October 12, 2018, and 70% thereafter. The Board has found that higher ratings are not warranted for any period of time. The case is remanded for further development regarding the issue of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are remanded due to inadequate examinations, missing VA treatment records, and new evidence not being considered.

The Board denied service connection for depression, finding that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including depression with anxiety and panic attacks, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to an in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, panic disorder, depression, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, due to military sexual trauma in service is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a link between her MST and her diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be the cause of his obstructive sleep apnea.,PTSD and other specified depressive disorder are rated at 70%.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical fusion, acquired psychiatric disorder, and TDIU due to incomplete development of records from the Tennessee Department of Labor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder was denied. The increased, 70 percent rating for service-connected anxiety disorder and MDD is granted effective January 5, 2018.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for service connection as the Veteran withdrew his requests to appeal these issues.