Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of generalized anxiety disorder with persistent depressive disorder (claimed as depression and anxiety) was dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for lumbar retrolisthesis with lumbar radiculopathy (claimed as chronic low back pain).

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims due to a withdrawal request from the appellant's authorized representative.

The Board has remanded the case due to new and material evidence received within one year of a prior denial, and because there are discrepancies in the medical records regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions. The claim is being reviewed again with additional medical evaluation.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, a spine disability, right leg numbness, left leg numbness, and TDIU are inextricably intertwined with other issues being remanded. The case is being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and chronic depression do not render her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, as she was still employed until November 2016 when she closed her business. The Board denied the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence of unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a hernia surgery scar has been reopened and granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to military sexual trauma during service.

The Board has granted service connection for diverticulosis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder.

The appeal for prostate cancer is dismissed. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than panic disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The case is being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for additional development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claims for service connection are not granted.

The Board has denied service connection for left ankle and left knee disabilities, as well as cervical spine disability. The claims of urinary incontinence and psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depressive disorder) are secondary to a lumbar spine disability.,Service connection is also denied for the Veteran's lumbar disc herniation at L4-L5 S/P laminectomy; spondylosis and right sided radiculopathy, as well as his cervical spine disability. The Board has remanded these claims for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD has been granted a 100% rating effective April 18, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and incomplete VA treatment records. The Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to her military service, as evidenced by her in-service symptoms and post-service symptoms.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The evidence of record persuasively weighs against finding that the Veteran has had PTSD at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,The evidence of record persuasively weighs against finding that the Veteran has depression began during active service, or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection for substance abuse was denied as there is no medical professional providing an opinion relating substance abuse to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's right ankle strain is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,Bilateral hearing loss has not been established as a disability for VA purposes.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and OSA have not been granted.,Service connection for headaches has not been granted.,The Veteran's left ankle strain is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if her reported stressor is adequate for a diagnosis of PTSD and whether her symptoms are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing medical records and conducting VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating and TDIU for major depressive disorder has been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD, a TDIU rating based on his service-connected psychiatric disorders alone, and SMC based on a total plus 60 percent disability rating due to outstanding VA treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran is also required to attend a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's major depression with anxiety disorder progressed to the extent that hospitalization was necessary, resulting in a 70 percent rating from September 12, 2008 to May 10, 2011. The Board finds further development is needed for the remaining issue on appeal.