Depression Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depressive disorder and eye disability, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's MDD was rated at 70 percent from October 1, 2018 to February 11, 2019. Prior to this period, the rating for his MDD was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has rendered him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for Meniere’s disease and denied service connection for an inner ear condition other than Meniere's disease. The remaining claims of service connection for psychiatric disorders, vertigo, and chronic tonsillitis are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD and MDD, finding that these conditions are related to his in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to verify in-service stressors. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, need further evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired mental condition, including major depression and other claimed disorders is being remanded due to the need for new evidence and a physical examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety and depression, is dismissed as the claim was already granted in a previous decision.,Service connection for an unspecified digestive disorder is denied because there is no evidence of current disability.

The Board has granted service connection for low back pain, left knee condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The right knee condition is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder. The opinions are needed to determine if the current psychiatric disorder is directly related to service or aggravated by a service-connected traumatic brain injury.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease and depressive disorder secondary to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran experienced back pain during service, which continued after separation, and that his current depression is related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied an increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder and persistent depressive disorder, to include dysthymia. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea and a higher evaluation for degenerative arthritis with lumbar disc disease are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional development, including new examinations and consideration of his credibility regarding stressor events in service.

The Board has remanded two issues: evaluating the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, for a higher rating; and determining if he is eligible for TDIU due to his service-connected disability. The remand requires obtaining an addendum opinion from the examiner who conducted the July 2018 examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The alcoholism claim is also remanded due to its potential interrelation with the PTSD claim.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his military service, particularly his deployment to Saudi Arabia in 1990-1991. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD and insomnia disorder are granted with a 30% rating, effective August 28, 2013. The Veteran is also granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder. Other issues remain pending.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, headache disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, dementia, and PTSD), and traumatic brain injury are not service-connected.,Service connection was denied for all claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety, is related to his active duty service. The decision grants the claim for service connection.