Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but not for bilateral hearing loss or an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, sleep problems) and head trauma.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to January 19, 2019. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 22, 2011 until February 27, 2013.

The Veteran's VR&E benefits were discontinued due to her failure to cooperate with extended evaluation and the determination that achievement of a vocational goal is not currently reasonably feasible.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted as new and material evidence was received.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been reopened due to the receipt of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fractured jaw with loss of teeth has been denied as new and material evidence was not received. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, hypothyroidism, left inner ear condition, right inner ear condition, and skin condition have all been remanded due to the need for further development.,The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent from January 27, 2011 to August 21, 2018 and at 70 percent thereafter. The claims for service connection for anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, hypothyroidism, left inner ear condition, right inner ear condition, and skin condition have all been remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is not service-connected.,His erectile dysfunction and chest pain are not service-connected.

The Board denied a 100 percent rating for Major Depressive Disorder with PTSD prior to July 1, 2011, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and improper discounting of the Veteran's credibility regarding his in-service stressors. A new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically anxiety, has been granted service connection.,Service connection for squamous cell carcinoma (claimed as throat cancer) due to herbicide exposure and lung scars secondary to the same condition are pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder was rated at 50% prior to January 23, 2018. The Board granted a higher rating of 70% for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, neck disability, and left lower extremity neurological disability. The appeal regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence of record. The appeal regarding right ear hearing loss is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that none of his service-connected conditions caused or contributed to his death. The lung cancer and glioblastoma were not related to service, and smoking was not considered a service-connected condition.

Service connection has been granted for lumbar spine disability, bilateral hip disability, and left ankle disability. The right shoulder disability remains under review.,The acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety and depression) is now considered service-connected.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depression are both granted service connection as they are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and lumbar disc disease, finding that the Veteran's back disability is aggravated by his service-connected ankle disability. The other claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of PTSD. The Veteran's MDD is granted at a 70% rating, but no higher. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, to include as secondary to her service-connected hysterectomy, should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of her major depressive disorder.