Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not related to service.,The earliest communication from the Veteran that can be construed as a claim for major depressive disorder was received on June 8, 2016. The effective date of June 8, 2016 has been assigned for major depressive disorder as it is later than the earliest date of entitlement (April 27, 2016).,The earliest communication from the Veteran that can be construed as a claim for residuals of a surgical scar on his left shoulder was received on March 11, 2016. The effective date of March 11, 2016 has been assigned for the grant of service connection for residuals of a surgical scar on the left shoulder associated with left shoulder osteoarthritis as it is later than the earliest date of entitlement (May 13, 2003).,The effective date of June 8, 2016 has been assigned for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder. The effective date of March 11, 2016 has been assigned for the grant of service connection for residuals of a surgical scar on the left shoulder associated with left shoulder osteoarthritis.,The Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is rated at 20% and remains unchanged.,The effective date of April 2, 2019 has been assigned for an increased rating to 50% for major depressive disorder (MDD) and somatic symptom disorder. The effective date of April 2, 2019 has also recharacterized the disability as 'major depressive disorder and somatic symptom disorder'.,The Veteran's MDD and somatic symptom disorder is rated at 70% since April 2, 2019.,A TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral pseudophakia and right eye corneal scar are granted service connection.,Weight loss is not a disability for VA compensation purposes, thus the claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for major depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, and onychomycosis of the bilateral feet was denied. The claim for a TDIU (Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability) due to service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and insomnia disorder prior to October 28, 2019 is rated at 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, and his effective date for the grant of service connection for unspecified depressive disorder is set at April 17, 2016.,Effective dates for the grants of service connection for lumbar strain with IVDS, TBI, s/p fall, and right knee PFPS are withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral cataracts, depression, and headaches due to insufficient opinions in previous examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder was granted. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders (including persistent depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder) was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder, secondary to his service-connected tinnitus, is granted. The other issues on appeal are remanded.

The Veteran's back injury, depression, anxiety and mood disorder (secondary to the back injury), headaches, erectile dysfunction, and diabetes are all granted as service connected. The lumbosacral radiculopathy and sleep disorder claims are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in medical opinions regarding the Veteran's depressive disorder and PTSD. The Veteran's depressive disorder is not service connected, making it impossible to grant secondary service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder due to lack of evidence linking the disorders to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to obtain additional VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of fibromyalgia is being remanded due to the need for further development.,The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety, depression, and PTSD), and sleep apnea are being remanded as new evidence has been received that may support these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, other than a personality disorder and substance use disorder, that was incurred in or caused by active service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for a higher rating and earlier effective date for major depressive disorder prior to September 26, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and major depression, recurrent, with anxiety features due to a need for further development and re-adjudication.

The Board has granted service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder and remanded the issues of increased evaluations for right and left knee disabilities, as well as the TDIU claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression and PTSD, finding that there is no current evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims on appeal, including obtaining SSA and VAMC records, providing addendum opinions regarding HTN, and assessing the current severity of his service-connected disabilities. The appeals are REMANDED.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), unspecified anxiety disorder, and mood disorder due to a general medical condition (chronic pain) are not secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability. The case is being remanded for further development.