Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is partially granted, with a disability rating of 70 percent for unspecified depressive disorder and remanded for further evaluation on the issue of a higher disability rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether his current acquired psychiatric disability is related to active service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression) and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection, with the Board finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected back disability. The neck disorder is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various conditions, including psoriasis, lumbar spine disability, left knee and right knee disabilities, sinusitis, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection due to lack of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Hepatitis B. The TDIU claim is remanded due to a potential increase in combined disability rating.

The Board has decided the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating of 70 percent, but not greater, prior to December 9, 2016, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter from December 9, 2016. The appeal is remanded for further action on his claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and a higher rating is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted effective May 20, 2015, which is the date of receipt of the claim. An earlier effective date is denied.,The Veteran's depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are found to have been incurred in service.,A back disability is not considered incurred in service due to lack of evidence showing continuity of symptoms since service.,Hypertension was not incurred in service, as there were no manifestations within one year of separation from service.,The Veteran's headaches are found to be proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus and depressive disorder.,A left knee disability is not considered incurred in service.,A right knee disability is not considered incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, specifically regarding service connection for chronic prostatitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and an acquired psychiatric condition due to a lack of examination or opinion on these issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder NOS with alcohol dependence. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was previously denied. New and material evidence has been received, reopening the claim. The Board finds that it is at least as likely as not that his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is related to his military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected major depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for adjustment disorder with anxiety and panic attacks is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The service connection claim for depression with alcohol abuse is also remanded as there is uncertainty about whether he has a current diagnosis of depression independent of his adjustment disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, and bilateral macular degeneration due to new evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases for not meeting the low threshold in McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006). The Veteran should be afforded a VA examination based on the current diagnosis and in-service diagnosis of anxiety.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD secondary to MST, anxiety disorder, and depression is remanded due to the need for further development regarding her claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability related to his active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for OSA, GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder) due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service or relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, to include as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, is being remanded due to the need for additional records from SSA and VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to October 1, 2018, as his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.