Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease was denied. The rating for migraines in excess of 50% and the rating for depressive disorder and chronic sleep impairment in excess of 70% were also denied.,Service connection for migraines, depressive disorder and chronic sleep impairment, and TDIU were granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination in connection with the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran asserts that his PTSD, MDD, GAD, and somatoform disorder are related to missing a SOS signal during service. The Board finds a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection, and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of her CUE claim.

The Veteran's additional disabilities are being remanded for an addendum VA medical opinion to determine if they were caused by the November 2011 VA colonoscopy with perforated bowel and subsequent multiple infections, including carelessness or negligence on the part of VA.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches secondary to service-connected tinnitus and for unspecified depressive disorder, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions had their onset in service.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits as the Veteran's service-connected major depression was not established until July 3, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD with associated depressive disorder requires regular care or assistance, and if so, what specific needs are met by such care.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar DDD has been granted a restoration of a 40 percent rating, effective the date of reduction.,Service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to service-connected lumbar DDD at the L4 vertebra is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted service connection as it first manifested during service.,Bipolar disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and hepatitis C were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a 100% rating as of October 20, 2018, due to total occupational and social impairment resulting from multiple suicide attempts.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The renal dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus was rated at 60 percent, the diabetes mellitus at 20 percent, and the insomnia (now claimed as depression) at 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression disability was previously rated at 50 percent, but the RO reduced it to 30 percent effective December 1, 2015. The Board found that there was no actual improvement in the disability and restored the original rating of 50 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression. The decision found that there was no evidence linking the current diagnosis to his time in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and mood disorder, may be related to his military service. However, due to a lack of definitive evidence in the record, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current anxiety and depression are at least as likely as not related to his service, including his time in Vietnam. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vocational goals are not reasonably feasible due to his ongoing alcohol abuse and psychiatric disabilities, leading to a denial of VR&E services.

The Board has granted service connection for substance abuse disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, finding that his substance use was aggravated by his depression.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on in-service stressors, including military sexual trauma and harassment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety and depression. The other claims of service connection are remanded.