Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to service. The decision also addresses PTSD but does not establish a separate service connection for it.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of service and post-service records, including missing VA Lakeside Hospital records and unverified in-service stressors. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions are being evaluated again with additional evidence.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's major depressive disorder should be rated at a higher level than currently, but needs more evidence to make this determination.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder. The Veteran contends that his current psychiatric disorders are related to in-service personal assault and artillery rounds. The VA must provide heightened notice regarding potential personal assault stressors and obtain all relevant records. An addendum opinion is needed from a VA examiner to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include depression is granted as secondary to service-connected vertigo. The claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to military sexual trauma (MST) and the TDIU claim are remanded.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that suggests a possible link between MST and her current mental health conditions. The Board also notes that there is no direct evidence linking the hypertension to service, so it remains inextricably intertwined with the psychiatric claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including whether they are related to military service. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are granted as service-connected due to combat stressors, with MDD being secondary to the PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and depression, due to the Veteran's inability to attend a VA examination in Seattle, Washington. The Veteran must be provided another opportunity to attend a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient medical evidence and requests for examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The claim for tuberculosis was not reopened, while service connection for low back disability, respiratory disability, and TDIU is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development of records and failure to notify the Veteran and his attorney about the inability to obtain certain documents. The Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric conditions is being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities combined resulted in debilitating effects that rendered him less capable of resisting heart disease.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and failure to address pertinent service treatment records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder and PTSD, are being reviewed for a determination of their relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a heart disorder has been granted. However, the new evidence does not establish that his current heart condition is related to service or exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely encompassing PTSD and Depression) was denied as there is no probative medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for her lower back disability and PTSD, as well as her claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is required to provide updated employment history information, and she will be scheduled for VA examinations to assess the severity of her lower back disability and PTSD.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, has been granted. The Board has also remanded the case for further development and examination regarding his bronchial asthma and PTSD claims.

The Veteran's low back disability, including myofascial pain syndrome and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, has been rated at 20 percent. The Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or nearly approach criteria for ankylosis or limitation of forward flexion to 30 degrees.

The Veteran's mental disorder with depression and anxiety is currently rated at 50% prior to October 12, 2018, and 70% thereafter. The Board has found that higher ratings are not warranted for any period of time. The case is remanded for further development regarding the issue of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are remanded due to inadequate examinations, missing VA treatment records, and new evidence not being considered.