Depression Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including Panic Disorder and Recurrent Brief Depressive Disorder, are not related to service. The left ear hearing loss disability is also denied. Right ear hearing loss is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for traumatic brain injury (TBI) with persistent depressive disorder and moderate anxiety distress is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities. The appeal for a higher rating for major depressive disorder was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since January 19, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a right hip replacement, joint pain condition, and lumbar spine condition have been withdrawn.,Service connection for a respiratory condition (asthma) due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been denied. The evidence is insufficient to establish a nexus between the current diagnosis of asthma and her period of service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression. The opinion should address the Veteran's in-service experiences with regard to his current psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's son, A.S. Jr., was found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to the age of 18 due to his disabilities including seizure disorder and learning disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, mood disorder, adjustment disorder, and anxiety, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions. The issues include left leg shortening, sinusitis, rhinitis, sarcoidosis, PTSD with depression, IHD status post angioplasty, left ankle talofibular ligament rupture, hyperparathyroidism, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service-connected, with the condition being aggravated by his service-connected left ear hearing loss and tinnitus.,Service connection for hypertension is denied due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA examiner is required to provide opinions on the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is granted. The Board has also remanded the case due to the need for further examination and verification of in-service stressors.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depressive disorder), sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and high blood pressure. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also remanded due to its inextricably intertwined nature with the other issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder and specific phobia began during his service in Vietnam, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of prostate cancer residuals is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate and a higher rating for PTSD with depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD, depression, and anxiety have been denied for ratings higher than 50 percent prior to January 23, 2018, and in excess of 70 percent from January 23, 2018. The Veteran's atrophic rhinitis has also been denied.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to have had its onset during service or within one year of separation, and is therefore denied.,There is no evidence that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder (including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and dysthymic disorder) had its onset in service. The claim for this condition is also denied.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction was not shown to have had its onset during service or be related to a service-connected disability. Therefore, the claim for this condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination and need for further evaluation of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD.