Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability (claimed as low back and lumbar spine) has been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted. Service connection is granted.,An earlier effective date of June 16, 2011, for service connection for persistent depressive disorder is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious distress, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 50 percent for depressive disorder was denied, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied service connection for cognitive disorder/memory loss and an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression), finding that the Veteran's current conditions are unrelated to his in-service head injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, specifically PTSD and MDD. The case is returned for further development including obtaining additional medical records and providing a new opinion on the etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that his current psychiatric conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence for verifying stressor events in service and further examination is needed to determine if any psychiatric conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been granted for tinnitus, and the issues of service connection for arthritis, asthma, high cholesterol, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diverticulitis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have also been granted. The claims for hearing loss and bilateral hands/low back arthritis are still pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and persistent depressive disorder, is related to service. Service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Veteran's vertigo is granted as service connected due to exposure to ototoxic substances during service. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorders and ED are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria for award of TDIU and preclude substantially gainful employment, effective July 24, 2008. The Board finds that the entitlement to a TDIU is warranted for the period beginning July 24, 2008.

The claim for reopening Major Depression was granted, but the claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and depression have been reopened. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with UDD disability remains at a 70 percent rating, but the Board has found that his symptoms have worsened and requires further examination to assess current severity. The issue of individual unemployability is also remanded due to inextricably intertwined nature with the IR claim.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, somatic symptom disorder, adjustment disorder) due to the need for additional development. This includes obtaining missing treatment records from Langley AFB, verifying stressor events, and scheduling VA examinations.

The claim for service connection for PTSD with Major Depression and Anxiety Disorder was reopened, but the Board has remanded the issue due to insufficient evidence. The cause of death claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, requires the regular aid and attendance of another person as a result of his condition. The Board has granted SMP based on this need.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks, insomnia disorder and persistent depressive disorder. The decision is based on evidence showing that the weight gain and obesity resulting from the service-connected mental health conditions are substantial factors in causing the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.

Your initial evaluations for anxiety disorder and depressive disorder have been granted at a 70 percent rating, effective December 19, 2013. Your TDIU rating prior to that date has also been granted.