Depression decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea syndrome, finding that there is no evidence linking her current condition to her military service or any service-connected conditions. The examiner concluded that her OSA was not caused by or aggravated by her service-connected HTN, CAD, and/or MDD.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's initial period of service is not a bar to VA benefits. However, the character of his discharge for the second period of service from October 29, 2012, through October 21, 2014, remains under review due to potential insanity at the time of misconduct.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an ear disorder (Meniere's syndrome), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and bulimia nervosa) have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.,There are no medical records showing the Veteran developed any of these conditions during his active service or within one year after separation from service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders. The claim will be further developed and a new opinion is needed from an examiner.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is granted a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran also meets the schedular percentage requirements for TDIU and his claim is granted subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including alcohol abuse disorder, major depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is denied. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for migraine headaches.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, effective November 25, 2008. The Veteran's cervical spondylosis with degenerative disk disease is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal for this issue. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety is granted.

The Veteran's MDD, headaches, and IVDS are all granted service connection. The left leg disorder is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is remanded due to the need for a new examination as the previous one is outdated. The case will be returned for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is also found to be related to service.,Service connection was denied for a sleep disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depressive Disorder, has been denied as the evidence does not support a causal relationship between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric condition, which includes PTSD and depressive disorder secondary to peripheral neuropathy, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as it does not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic headaches, kidney disorder, cataracts, and MDD have been granted. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's GAD and MDD have been rated at a 70 percent effective from the date of receipt of her claim, February 5, 2017. An earlier effective date for TDIU is granted based on her service-connected psychiatric disabilities. SMC at the housebound rate has also been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating, the highest possible rating, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder, and the claim for this condition has been granted.,The Veteran's headache disorder is caused and/or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, and the claim for this condition has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and whether the Veteran's discharge is a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with depression and alcohol abuse prior to February 21, 2013 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, depression, alcohol abuse disorder, residuals of right arm abscess operation, migraine headaches, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.,High cholesterol was found not to be a disability eligible for service connection.