Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD, depression, and chronic sleep disturbances are related to his active military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all claims related to service connection for various conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, depression (previously claimed as nervous disorder), skin rash/fungus, left leg disorder, right leg disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a back disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and depression was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, resulting in a denial. The OSA and hypertension claims were remanded due to inadequate development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient rationale in previous opinions and potential new evidence from a June 2019 VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various psychiatric conditions, bilateral plantar fasciitis, tinnitus, degenerative arthritis of the spine, right ankle condition, and bilateral hand degenerative arthritis have all been denied. The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical opinions.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, headaches, left knee disability, right foot gout, and right shoulder disability has been granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, specifically PTSD, MDD, and schizoaffective disorder. The Veteran is to be provided with a new VA examination to determine these issues.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating and service connection for PTSD are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records, an examination of his psychiatric disability, and issuance of a statement of the case regarding service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disability is granted, with the diagnosis of PTSD being linked to in-service trauma. The Board finds that all elements of service connection have been satisfied.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a heart condition, but further development is needed as the Veteran has not been provided with a VA examination to evaluate these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional evidence needs to be considered and the claims are being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder NOS, depressive disorder NOS, PTSD, and MDD, is found to be as likely as not attributable to an in-service military sexual trauma (MST) incident. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination and additional VA treatment records, as well as the need to evaluate the severity of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal regarding a 50 percent rating for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression was denied as there is no competent, probative evidence establishing a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder that had its onset during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records, need for VA examinations, and clarification of employment status.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and MDD. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if he has these conditions and whether they are related to his service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder prior to October 18, 2018 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent.,The Veteran was granted a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities since April 30, 2017. The issue remains in appellate status for the period prior to this date.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for an increased rating of PTSD with depression, so the Board has dismissed this case.