Depression Board decisions

The Veteran is granted a 70 percent rating for his major depressive disorder with anxious distress and somatic symptom disorder as of February 21, 2019. The appeal for higher ratings prior to that date remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a depressive disorder is granted, and the claims for increased rating for PTSD and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation of PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and dysthymia (claimed as depression) have been denied. The claim for subjective night sweats due to nightmares is being remanded.,The VA examiner will provide an addendum opinion on whether the subjective night sweats are a disability or a symptom of an undiagnosed illness, and if so, whether they are at least as likely as not related to active service.

The Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.,The preponderance of the evidence is against finding that the Veteran’s CAD, valvular heart disease, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and cardiac arrest with multiple stent placements began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, so the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a head injury, tingling in the left hand, and tingling in the right hand. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include substance-induced depressive disorder, is also denied.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids and for service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol abuse disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.

Service connection granted for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to service-connected diabetes.,Service connection denied for depression as it is secondary to PTSD.,Service connection denied for hair loss presumed to be caused by herbicide exposure (Agent Orange).,Service connection granted for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a left foot condition was denied.,The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for sleep disorder and hallux valgus of the right foot were also denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, alcohol abuse, and depressive disorder NOS. The issues of an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU are also remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board found the GAF scores inadequate for a higher rating.

The Board has not reopened the claims for service connection for anxiety and depression, as new evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including transient ischemic attacks with seizures, diarrhea, involuntary movements, migraine headaches, depression and mental confusion with anger outbursts, and blurred vision, due to lack of evidence of exposure to mustard gas or sarin gas during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case, and the Veteran did not waive initial RO consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with other service-connected conditions, has caused significant impairment in work and social functioning. A 70% disability rating is granted for PTSD from March 1, 2010 to December 6, 2016.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to his service-connected disabilities, which include depression and anxiety, left knee conditions, lumbar spine with IVDS, right knee condition, left lower extremity radiculopathy, removal of gallbladder, residual scar from cholecystectomy, and a surgical scar on the left knee. His combined disability rating is 70 percent.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, obstructive sleep apnea, and a disability to account for memory loss. The Veteran's current knee conditions are not related to his in-service injuries or illnesses.,Service connection was granted for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran’s service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 29, 2016, for the award of service connection for PTSD, a major depressive disorder, a panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder is denied. The case is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his claim for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder with associated major depressive disorder is related to his active service and granted service connection for these conditions.