Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial rating determinations were denied. The claim for an increased rating for right knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 10 percent. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent prior to May 4, 2015, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter for major depressive disorder (residuals of traumatic brain injury) was also denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is reopened, but the claims for skin disorders of the feet are remanded due to lack of Compensation and Pension examinations.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, sinus disorder, GERD, hysterectomy (previously claimed as fibroid tumors), PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, and alopecia have been granted. The appeal was dismissed for the issue of a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for further development, including obtaining additional Reserve service treatment records and private psychiatric treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn and dismissed.,Service connection for left knee strain was denied as the evidence does not support an in-service injury or disease, and there is no credible link between current symptoms and service.,Service connection for a bilateral foot disability was denied due to lack of evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's testimony about chronic pain during service did not align with contemporaneous records indicating he did not seek treatment for left knee issues.,The Veteran's claim for right shoulder disability, psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depressive disorder), cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and radiculopathy was remanded as the evidence is insufficient to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA mental health examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is related to his service. The examiner must provide a diagnosis and etiology for each diagnosed psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining authorization for private treatment records and a medical opinion regarding his depression.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a depressive disorder. The VA will obtain the Veteran's service personnel records and unit history reports to confirm his participation in combat during Vietnam. A new VA examination is also required to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Appellant's National Guard service and the relationship between his back condition, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims will be further developed with additional medical records and a VA examination if necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including mild neurocognitive disorder with depressive disorder, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of September 18, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, hepatitis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression) have been remanded due to the need for additional development.,Further examination is required to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed stressors. The Veteran is requested to provide additional details about his alleged stressors and complete a VA Form 21-0781.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and unspecified Depressive Disorder, has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is now granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current psychiatric diagnoses are related to his military service. A VA examination is needed to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's in-service experiences and his current mental health conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient efforts made to verify the Veteran's reported in-service stressors and for an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to his military service or dysfunctional family dynamics.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate documentation of notice for a VA examination, and further development is needed including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an opinion from a VA examiner regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations. The issues include head injuries, psychiatric disorders, hearing loss, sleep apnea, spine problems, nerve damage in limbs, and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and records review.