Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorder, is currently rated at 70 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a total schedular rating of 100 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression with panic disorder and alcohol use disorder, bilateral hallux valgus (bunions), painful surgical scars on the feet, pes planus, hammer toes of the feet, and thoracolumbar strain and scoliosis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder with panic disorder and alcohol use disorder has prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since October 1, 2017.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and neurobehavioral effects due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, finding that the evidence did not support a causal link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, migraine headaches, and nerve damage to the feet are remanded due to the need for additional examinations. Service connection has been granted for hepatitis C and a depressive disorder secondary to hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is required to protect her from hazards or dangers incident to her daily environment. As a result, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective April 7, 2010. The claim for a higher rating remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder is granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective June 24, 2013.,TDIU benefits are granted from June 24, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are at least as likely as not related to her reported incidents of military sexual trauma during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed other specified trauma-related disorder and unspecified depressive disorder are related to her military service, granting her claim for service connection.

The petition to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus is granted. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia, left knee; service connection for a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression with polysubstance abuse); service connection for bilateral hearing loss; and service connection for tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to service-connected disabilities, is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination, and to obtain outstand VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for REM sleep behavior disorder, previously diagnosed as parasomnia NOS, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder due to insufficient medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are separate from or related to the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, alcohol and substance abuse disorder, a sleep disorder, and diabetes mellitus due to potential in-service exposure and/or other factors. The Veteran's personnel records indicate he served under 'very trying conditions' during his active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board has found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for his eye disorder, anxiety, or depression as separate disabilities from PTSD. The back, elbow, and right leg conditions are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been granted, including degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, arthritis in both knees, radiculopathy affecting both upper extremities, right ear hearing loss, migraine headaches, depressive disorder, and erectile dysfunction.,Service connection is established for all claimed conditions due to their direct link to service.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not rated compensably, but he meets the criteria for a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting diagnoses and a need for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression is reopened. The claim of service connection for vertigo is remanded due to insufficient evidence linking the current symptom to active service.