Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an abdominal scar, acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, depression, and anxiety), and COPD due to conflicting evidence and lack of verification of claimed stressors.

The Veteran's abdominal gunshot wound with scars has resulted in two painful scars, which are currently rated at 10 percent. The RO denied a higher rating as the scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 7804.,Major depression is currently rated at 50 percent and the Veteran seeks an increased rating. TDIU is also sought.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and missing updated VA treatment records. The Veteran needs a new psychiatric disorder assessment, including PTSD and depression.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a mental disorder and metastatic esophageal cancer due to insufficient evidence on the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's aircraft maintenance duties are alleged to be related to his current health issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and the need to obtain additional medical records. The issues include psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, MDD, GAD, and fibromyalgia; and joint pain, specifically fibromyalgia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to incomplete VA examinations. The appeals for initial ratings of more than 10 percent for his knee and back disorders, as well as PTSD with depression, are now pending.

The appeals regarding service connection for various conditions have been reopened, but the claims are still pending as new evidence has not established a clear link to military service. The rating for GERD remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability, service connection for depression, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with PTSD and anxiety is currently rated at 30 percent, effective July 14, 2014 to December 8, 2015.,A rating of 50 percent for the period beginning December 9, 2015 has been granted.

The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD, depression, and chronic sleep disturbances are related to his active military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all claims related to service connection for various conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, depression (previously claimed as nervous disorder), skin rash/fungus, left leg disorder, right leg disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a back disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and depression was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, resulting in a denial. The OSA and hypertension claims were remanded due to inadequate development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient rationale in previous opinions and potential new evidence from a June 2019 VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various psychiatric conditions, bilateral plantar fasciitis, tinnitus, degenerative arthritis of the spine, right ankle condition, and bilateral hand degenerative arthritis have all been denied. The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical opinions.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, headaches, left knee disability, right foot gout, and right shoulder disability has been granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, specifically PTSD, MDD, and schizoaffective disorder. The Veteran is to be provided with a new VA examination to determine these issues.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating and service connection for PTSD are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records, an examination of his psychiatric disability, and issuance of a statement of the case regarding service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disability is granted, with the diagnosis of PTSD being linked to in-service trauma. The Board finds that all elements of service connection have been satisfied.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a heart condition, but further development is needed as the Veteran has not been provided with a VA examination to evaluate these conditions.