Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and chloracne. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus are remanded due to the need for further verification of exposure and examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected migraine headaches has been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety with sleep disturbance and major depressive disorder have been remanded.

The Veteran's depression with sleep disorder and anxiety had its onset in service, and the Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure and the current disability is not related to service.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, is denied as there is no evidence that these conditions had their onset during service or are otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is granted as service connected due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The claims for hypertension, gout, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, PTSD, and depressive disorder due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU are remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically whether it is related to service or his service-connected right ear hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic pain, a back disability, headaches, sciatica, and depression and anxiety as secondary to Legg Perthes disease due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's depression claim is being reviewed, as well as his increased rating for hypothyroidism and TDIU.

The Veteran's initial rating for tinnitus has been dismissed. An initial compensable rating of 10% has been granted for left thumb degenerative arthritis with flexor tendinitis.,Service connection claims for asthma, depression and anxiety, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, hearing loss, and immunoglobulin A nephropathy have all been remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to have started during service and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has expanded the scope of the Veteran's service connection claim to include all currently-diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. The Veteran contends that his acquired psychiatric disorder is related to stressful and traumatic events he experienced while deployed in Iraq. However, the VA examiner found no diagnosis of PTSD but did diagnose major depressive disorder. The Board finds the January 2017 medical opinion inadequate and orders a new examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions including diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, stroke, depression, peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, arthritis, grand mal seizures, erectile dysfunction, kidney disorder, and lung disorder due to exposure to herbicides and asbestos. The appellant is required to submit new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD related to military sexual trauma, and the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his depression began during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of medical opinions and treatment records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for traumatic brain injury, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety and depression).

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, as there is insufficient evidence to determine eligibility for accrued benefits or service connection for the cause of death. The appellant must provide clear documentation regarding her educational pursuits after reaching the age of 18 years.

The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD (including major depressive disorder) is dismissed. The claim for service connection for traumatic brain injury (TBI) is remanded. The claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine are also remanded.