Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, a low back condition, and a respiratory condition including shortness of breath have been granted. The acquired psychiatric disability claim remains denied.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including those related to prostate cancer, thyroid condition, bilateral cataracts disability, respiratory condition (blood clots in the lungs), bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder, left corneal dystrophy, hypertension, hernia condition, residuals of gallbladder removal, and residuals of electric shock. The claims are being remanded due to incomplete or inaccurate factual bases for previous opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder was granted in a May 2019 rating decision. The claims for inflammation of the joints, chronic fatigue syndrome, anemia, elevated white cell blood count (WCB) and chronic blood disorder, lymphedema, postsurgical hypothyroidism, residuals of radiation exposure, sleep apnea, low back disability, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral knee pain are all remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, cognitive impairment, and adjustment disorder, is granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for chronic urticaria with angioedema and anaphylaxis is granted at a 40 percent level, effective from the date of his December 2014 claim. The Veteran's PTSD with depression (also diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder) remains rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's Cluster B personality traits are not considered a disability for VA compensation purposes, and service connection is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically major depressive disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that this condition was incurred in or caused by military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for persistent depressive disorder was denied. The issue of entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as moot due to the Veteran already having a combined 100 percent schedular rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent for the period prior to March 19, 2018 and at 40 percent thereafter. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is also rated at 20 percent.,For the period prior to September 6, 2018, the Veteran's depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent; since then, it has been rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for vision condition and tinnitus have been dismissed due to his request to withdraw them.,The Veteran's appeals for initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, burn scar of the chin, hepatitis, and initial compensable ratings for burn scars on various body parts are being remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for a neck disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD), and a headache disorder. The Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss, bilateral foot disability, and left ankle disability are remanded.,Service connection is not granted for the Veteran’s claimed conditions due to lack of evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, now with posttraumatic stress disorder, was granted a rating of 70 percent prior to October 15, 2015. The Veteran also received TDIU effective September 26, 2013.

The Board denied service connection for psychiatric disabilities other than PTSD, PTSD, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, neck disability, and both knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions at the time of his claims.

The Board denied service connection for anxiety and depression as there is no evidence of a separate diagnosis, and the Veteran's symptoms are part of his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and pension benefits due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand orders. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations, provide income and expenses information, and obtain medical opinions regarding his psychiatric disability and pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's reported stressors and lack of verification. The Veteran is presumed to have PTSD as a result of his service, but the specific stressors are not verified. The VA will attempt to verify the stressors and schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including chronic pain syndrome and depressive disorder, as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The decision resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 1, 2013. The decision found that the Veteran was gainfully employed and engaged in marginal employment due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying in-service stressors.