Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) and sleep apnea are granted service connection on a secondary basis to his service-connected knee, hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities. The Veteran's increased ratings for his knees are remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The claim for TDIU prior to April 25, 2014, was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including depression, and secondary service connection for depression due to liver cancer. The evidence did not support a finding that any psychiatric disorder was incurred in or related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral patellofemoral syndrome, degenerative changes and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine with right lower extremity radiculopathy, and depression as secondary to these conditions. The decision is based on evidence showing a link between the Veteran's in-service injuries and current disabilities.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and anxiety, prior to June 15, 2010.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to insufficient response time, and the Veteran still has time to file a substantive appeal or opt-in to the modernized review system.

The Veteran's shin splints and knee issues are restored to a 20% rating, while her right shoulder and left shoulder service connection claims are denied. Her major depressive disorder is granted with TDIU status.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is rated at 70 percent since December 2, 2012. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions. The issues of hearing loss, tinnitus, traumatic arthritis of the left knee, partial loss and use of lower extremity, low back pain, right knee pain and stiffness associated with traumatic osteoarthritis of the left knee, anxiety disorder, a pain disorder, and major depressive disorder are being remanded for further development. The denial of service connection for PTSD remains unchanged.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder and unspecified depression disorder, as secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and insufficient evidence to establish a link between the claimed conditions and active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting evidence of record regarding the severity of the appellant's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). A new examination is needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of his MDD.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is considered to be a continuation of symptoms first manifested during service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent effective October 1, 2013, through February 4, 2020.

The Board has remanded four issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including substance abuse and heart conditions. The cases are pending further examination and review.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining addendum opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea and addressing his claims of service connection for a depressive disorder and anxiety disorder.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are denied. The claims for left hand Dupuytren's contracture and carpal tunnel syndrome have been remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding whether the service-connected right zygomatic fracture aggravated the non-service-connected depression.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran asserts that her current mental health symptoms are related to her service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination and updated treatment records, as well as further clarification on the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder.