Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's TBI with post-concussive headaches was rated at 10 percent from April 14, 2014 to December 20, 2016. From December 21, 2016, the Veteran received a rating of 70 percent for his TBI with unspecified depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination and additional private treatment records, as well as clarification of diagnoses.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including recurrent major depressive disorder and PTSD, is at least as likely as not related to his military service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for type II diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disorders (ALS and PSP), and acquired psychological disorder (PTSD and depression) due to inadequate rationale in previous VA medical opinions. The claims are now pending again with the Board.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or a link between current symptoms and service.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee DJD and strain, OSA, and depressive disorder secondary to service-connected physical disabilities.,The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's left knee DJD and strain, OSA, and depressive disorder are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including panic disorder with agoraphobia, insomnia disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, is rated at 70 percent. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, persistent depressive disorder with persistent major depressive episode and anxious distress, is granted. Service connection for a left hip condition, lumbar spine condition, TDIU, and dental condition (deterioration of teeth) are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's reported stressors during service. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's reported symptoms and history.

The Board denied service connection for depression and anxiety with anger issues, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are less likely related to his military service. Service connection for hepatitis B was also denied due to lack of a current medical diagnosis.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.,Service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder due to service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are at least as likely as not related to a credible in-service stressor. The other issues on appeal remain pending and require additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of available service records. The Veteran's statements concerning his disability need to be considered in the new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum VA medical opinion to address all acquired psychiatric disorders diagnosed since September 2016, including depressive disorder, mixed anxiety and depressive disorder, mood disorder, and major depression. The examiner is asked to determine if any of these diagnoses are related to exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune or caused by or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss or tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions and further development is needed before a decision can be made on the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is granted as her MDD is related to her active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including MDD, PTSD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, and migraine headaches, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment throughout the entire appeal period prior to December 19, 2013. As a result, he is granted a TDIU rating.