Depression decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examinations and a need for further evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depressive disorder, right and left knee disabilities, ischemic heart disease with atrial fibrillation, tension headaches, bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, chronic prostatitis, back disability, right hip disability, and left hip disability have been granted. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for these conditions is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA treatment records and outstanding STRs. The issues of whether the July 1988 rating decision denying service connection for contusion, left hip, right foot disabilities, left foot disabilities, a fungal infection of the feet, and December 1988 rating decision denying service connection for a back disability may be revised on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) are also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent effective July 11, 2014. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right knee disability, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for right hip limited extension was dismissed. The Board granted service connection for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran had a verified in-service stressor.,The Veteran's claims for migraine headaches, left foot disability, and right hip disabilities were remanded due to new evidence of worsening symptoms since her last VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD, with MDD and alcohol abuse disorder, is rated at 70 percent for the period between February 20, 2009, and July 8, 2011.

The Board has determined that the current decision is not final and requires further review due to incomplete medical opinions. The case will be remanded for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and left knee chondromalacia are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder have been granted service connection. The Board also remanded several issues for further development.

Service connection granted for IBS, PTSD, and cervical spine disability. Service connection denied for gastroenteritis and acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder).

The Veteran's service-connected persistent depressive disorder is now rated at 70 percent, effective December 20, 2017. His hypertension is also granted as secondary to his service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are directly related to his military service. The claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Veteran's asthma is rated at 60 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder and Substance Abuse Disorder are granted. The claims for tinnitus and a right hip condition (including arthritis) are remanded. The claim for left shoulder condition is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear dates of service and lack of verification for the Veteran's reported military sexual trauma. The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, which she claims was caused by a sexual assault during her Air Force Reserve service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder depressive type, major depressive disorder with psychotic features and anxious distress, and generalized anxiety disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. Service connection for PTSD remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current psychiatric conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressor is credible and his symptoms are related to this in-service event. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for depression, memory loss, vascular-related cognitive decline, and cerebral microvascular disease. The VA must obtain a new medical opinion addressing these diagnoses in relation to the Veteran's exposure at Camp Lejeune.