Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress. The decision finds that there is at least a reasonable doubt as to whether the current condition had its onset during service and thus supports a finding of in-service incurrence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for further medical examination. The appellant's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension is reopened, but the effective date remains June 16, 2016. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD and a higher effective date are both remanded.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected DDD of the thoracolumbar spine. Service connection for left and right knee disabilities remains denied, but a higher evaluation (40%) is granted for DDD of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability, headaches, basal cell carcinoma of the right eyelid, and Asperger’s syndrome with anxiety and depression. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for chronic adjustment disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and major depression. The claim is remanded due to the need to obtain private medical records.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on her service-connected bilateral lower extremity disability, pes planus, and ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations. Her claims for service connection for asthma, restless leg syndrome, and depression remain pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examination. The Veteran's psychiatric condition, sleep apnea, and headaches are all being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for depressive disorder and a TDIU due to new evidence not previously considered.

The Veteran's autism spectrum disorder and persistent depressive disorder are related to his active military service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea and psychiatric disability to include PTSD has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, an eye disability including glaucoma and a right eye injury, a back disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety and depression, anemia, bilateral foot disabilities, and insomnia. The Veteran's hearing loss disability remains at Level I in each ear.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, right knee patellar tendonitis, left knee patellar tendonitis, bilateral metatarsalgia, sinusitis, and schizoaffective disorder. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a current disability in all cases.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders. The issues are service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a total disability based on individual unemployability.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to potential new evidence and further development is needed.,The claim for increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine remains pending. A VA examination will be conducted to assess the current severity of the condition.,The claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to potential new evidence from the Veteran's hearing and need further development.,A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder. The examiner must also attempt to corroborate the Veteran’s reported stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including completion of a VA Form 21-8940 to address his employment history and ability to work.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety, and ADHD was rated at 50 percent prior to August 21, 2015. From August 21, 2015 through February 22, 2017, the rating was denied for a higher disability rating. Beginning February 23, 2017, the Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety, and ADHD is rated at 70 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD and major depression, finding that the earliest possible date is October 31, 2002. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her left tibia disability remains in remand status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and MDD, are etiologically related to his military service. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for anxiety with depressive disorder (previously claimed as PTSD) is granted, effective July 1, 2009. The TDIU and DEA benefits are also granted from the same date.