Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent for the period prior to March 19, 2018 and at 40 percent thereafter. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is also rated at 20 percent.,For the period prior to September 6, 2018, the Veteran's depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent; since then, it has been rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for vision condition and tinnitus have been dismissed due to his request to withdraw them.,The Veteran's appeals for initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, burn scar of the chin, hepatitis, and initial compensable ratings for burn scars on various body parts are being remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for a neck disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD), and a headache disorder. The Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss, bilateral foot disability, and left ankle disability are remanded.,Service connection is not granted for the Veteran’s claimed conditions due to lack of evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, now with posttraumatic stress disorder, was granted a rating of 70 percent prior to October 15, 2015. The Veteran also received TDIU effective September 26, 2013.

The Board denied service connection for psychiatric disabilities other than PTSD, PTSD, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, neck disability, and both knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions at the time of his claims.

The Board denied service connection for anxiety and depression as there is no evidence of a separate diagnosis, and the Veteran's symptoms are part of his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and pension benefits due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand orders. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations, provide income and expenses information, and obtain medical opinions regarding his psychiatric disability and pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's reported stressors and lack of verification. The Veteran is presumed to have PTSD as a result of his service, but the specific stressors are not verified. The VA will attempt to verify the stressors and schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including chronic pain syndrome and depressive disorder, as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The decision resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 1, 2013. The decision found that the Veteran was gainfully employed and engaged in marginal employment due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying in-service stressors.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was granted. The issue of service connection is remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not show additional disability due to VA care or an event not reasonably foreseeable.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for depression and severe anxiety. The case is now remanded for further development, including a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and Parkinson's Disease have been dismissed as the claim for depression is now considered part of his service-connected Parkinson’s Disease.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder (MDD) as aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder. The rating for the psychiatric disability will be remanded to consider additional impairment caused by MDD.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety, agoraphobia, and depression resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for drug-induced lupus, but remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression).,Service connection was not granted for erectile dysfunction due to lack of a causal link between in-service treatment and current condition.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for a right wrist disability and an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD and depression due to inadequate examinations and need for further development.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for service connection due to the Veteran's authorized representative requesting withdrawal of all issues.