Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) is being remanded due to the need for additional review of recent medical records and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (hearing loss, major depressive disorder, left knee chondromalacia, and tinnitus) have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial and gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and anxiety), finding that his condition is not etiologically related to service or proximately caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is being remanded for an updated examination to assess the severity of his condition, as it has worsened since his last assessment in 2014.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include dysthymia and depressive disorder, is proximately due to his service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee status post arthroscopy. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection are met.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain, chronic laryngitis, and obstructive sleep apnea. The appeals are remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and VA examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and a mood disorder. The evidence does not establish that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU due to incomplete development of records, including VA treatment records and vocational rehabilitation information. The claims will be reconsidered with consideration of whether the Veteran had temporary inability to follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with secondary depressive disorder and alcohol abuse has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Substance Abuse Disorder are granted as service-connected. The TBI claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for bronchial asthma and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and unspecified bipolar disorder, are etiologically related to his service. The claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for depression and a higher rating for anxiety disorder due to insufficient opinions in the previous VA examination.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied.,Right eye laceration is not considered a disability for VA purposes.,Depression is not considered a disability for VA purposes.,Cervical spine disability remains at 20 percent, with no higher rating granted.,Thoracolumbar spine disability remains at 20 percent, with no higher rating granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder with anxiety before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and alcohol abuse due to a lack of VA examination since September 2015. The Veteran will be afforded another opportunity to attend a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examinations and incomplete medical records, particularly regarding the Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI) and any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection has been remanded due to the need for further evaluation of certain issues.

The Veteran's current 30 percent evaluation for anxiety disorder and depressive disorder is insufficient, and his employability due to service-connected disabilities needs further assessment. The Board has decided these issues must be remanded.