Depression decisions — 2020

The claim to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on military sexual trauma (MST) and/or major depressive disorder is granted. The issue of service connection for PTSD based on MST and/or major depressive disorder is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, including a VA medical opinion to address whether the service-connected back disability contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's diagnoses of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder are considered, along with his reported history of a panic attack in boot camp. A VA addendum opinion is needed regarding whether these conditions are at least as likely as not related to the Veteran’s credibly reported episode of a panic attack during training.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for flat feet was reopened and granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is etiologically related to his active service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorders and her claims for PTSD. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been reopened due to new and material evidence. Service connection for hypertension remains pending as the Board has remanded this issue.,Service connection for depression is currently in a state of uncertainty, with the Board finding that reopening was warranted but not deciding on its merits.

The Board has denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and depression. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, lung disability (claimed as asbestosis), and sleep apnea have been remanded.,Service connection is not granted for the Veteran's claimed conditions due to lack of evidence linking them to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they did not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from August 3, 2009 to September 15, 2013. The TDIU is based on his PTSD and related psychiatric impairments.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a head injury, memory loss, depression with insomnia, and obstructive sleep apnea have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The issues are being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeal is partially granted, with a disability rating of 70 percent for unspecified depressive disorder and remanded for further evaluation on the issue of a higher disability rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether his current acquired psychiatric disability is related to active service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression) and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection, with the Board finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected back disability. The neck disorder is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various conditions, including psoriasis, lumbar spine disability, left knee and right knee disabilities, sinusitis, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection due to lack of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Hepatitis B. The TDIU claim is remanded due to a potential increase in combined disability rating.

The Board has decided the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating of 70 percent, but not greater, prior to December 9, 2016, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter from December 9, 2016. The appeal is remanded for further action on his claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and a higher rating is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted effective May 20, 2015, which is the date of receipt of the claim. An earlier effective date is denied.,The Veteran's depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are found to have been incurred in service.,A back disability is not considered incurred in service due to lack of evidence showing continuity of symptoms since service.,Hypertension was not incurred in service, as there were no manifestations within one year of separation from service.,The Veteran's headaches are found to be proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus and depressive disorder.,A left knee disability is not considered incurred in service.,A right knee disability is not considered incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, specifically regarding service connection for chronic prostatitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and an acquired psychiatric condition due to a lack of examination or opinion on these issues.