Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected migraine headaches and right upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities. The rating for migraine headaches remains at the maximum 50 percent, but a higher rating is denied. Tinnitus is rated at the maximum 10 percent, with no higher rating available. The cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, with no higher rating available. An earlier effective date for service connection of migraine headaches and tinnitus is denied. Service connection for traumatic brain injury, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with panic attacks and major depressive disorder due to military sexual trauma, but the issue of service connection for alcohol abuse as secondary to this condition is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Depression, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of a preexisting condition and concluding that his current psychiatric disorders did not clearly and unmistakably preexist his military service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between his in-service experiences and his current conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder is related to his military service or any of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion and failure to consider evidence in the record, including the Veteran's complaints of in-service and post-service symptoms. The Court found that the November 2011 VA examiner’s opinion was inadequate as it ignored the Veteran's lay assertions concerning his continuing psychiatric symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service stressor event for PTSD and depression, as well as a need for further examination to address the relationship between service-connected disabilities and psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is caused by his service-connected disabilities, and he is granted a 60 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity with partial foot drop with muscle atrophy.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor and a need for further examination to clarify his diagnosis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions and their relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric condition, excluding PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, TDIU, and basic eligibility for DEA under Chapter 35 were denied during the period on appeal from January 3, 2013, but prior to January 15, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder and whether obesity caused by his service-connected disabilities contributed to his sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and erectile dysfunction due to PTSD. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are currently under consideration, as is his claim for secondary service connection of ED.,Further examination and analysis are needed to determine if any non-service-connected psychiatric conditions are related to PTSD or other service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for polymyositis and inflammatory myopathy, lumbar spine disability, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, sinus headaches, DM II, right knee disability, left knee disability, and MDD. The VA examiner found no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, lower back disability, cervical spine disability, and arthritis have been granted service connection. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder has also been granted service connection. However, the Veteran's yeast infection secondary to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, and migraine headaches, prevent her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The case is now remanded for further development and a VA examination.

The Board has found that additional development is needed due to the Veteran's undeliverable mail and has ordered it to be sent again. The case will now be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected bronchial asthma, and thus granted as secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and he is now entitled to a remand for further examination. His claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, are also being remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder was denied. The rating prior to December 20, 2019 was found not to meet the criteria for a higher than 30 percent rating, and from December 20, 2019, it was found not to meet the criteria for a higher than 70 percent rating.