Depression decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The examiner is asked to address whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and major depressive disorder, as well as a right shoulder disability. The evidence shows these conditions began during the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression was granted, with a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors. The rating for the acquired psychiatric disability is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and remanded the issues of service connection for erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder and unspecified trauma or stressor related disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's verified in-service stressors and current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current psychiatric conditions and an in-service stressor. The case is remanded for further evaluation of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral breast calcification, claimed as fibrocystic breast disability, is granted service connection. The issues of hypertension, urinary hesitancy, ovarian cyst disability, TMJ disorder, and other disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The rating for osteoarthrosis of the right knee and left knee prior to October 26, 2016 are granted at 10 percent each. A separate 10 percent evaluation is granted for a left knee meniscectomy. The Veteran's total arthroplasty from December 1, 2017 is rated as 30 percent. Left knee scars are evaluated as 10 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, colon cancer, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions began during or are otherwise related to military service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left knee disability, and migraine headaches.,There is no evidence of any current or in-service psychiatric condition that would support the Veteran's claim.

The Board dismissed the appeals as the Veteran had died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board dismissed the claim for a TDIU as withdrawn by the Veteran's attorney. The claim of an increased rating for right forearm scars was denied, with no compensable rating assigned.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for fecal incontinence and depression, including as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected ulcer with partial gastrectomy. The remand requires an addendum opinion from a VA provider to address whether the Veteran's conditions are related to his service or caused by his service-connected condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of all psychiatric diagnoses in the Veteran's VA treatment records and a lack of service treatment records from his psychiatrist. The RO is instructed to obtain any outstanding private or VA treatment records, including Vet Center records, as well as any missing service treatment records. An addendum opinion should be requested from the December 2017 VA examiner regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim.

The Veteran's claim for chronic cervicitis, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and bilateral eye disability is being remanded due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to obtain a VA examination based on record review, and for proper Veterans Claims Assistance Act notice.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including other specified trauma and stressor disorder, major depressive disorder, and psychoactive substance dependence. The appeal is remanded to determine an appropriate TDIU rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST) experienced during active service, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to this incident and granting the benefit of doubt.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder and coronary artery disease. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a lumbar spine condition have been reopened, and the appeals are granted.,Service connection has been granted for MDD (including bipolar disorder) and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The issue of service connection for PTSD due to MST is remanded.