Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's aggravated anxiety disorder is caused by VA negligence in delaying the diagnosis of his prostate cancer, leading to worsening symptoms.

The Board dismissed the appeals for rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain and lumbar vertebral disc disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and unspecified depressive disorder prior to December 10, 2015.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral pes planus, hearing loss, a lower extremity disorder (claimed as knee or leg condition), an acquired psychiatric condition (to include anxiety due to trauma and unspecified depressive disorder), and vision loss, have all been denied. The Board found that the preexisting conditions did not increase in severity during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims, except for the claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability which has been reopened.

The Veteran's claims for lethargy, CFS, acid reflux disease, and left hip strain are denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during service or related to his Crohn’s disease.,Back disability, depression, and deterioration of the teeth remain in dispute and need further examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The evidence shows that his current psychiatric conditions are related to his in-service head injuries but not directly due to those injuries.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, as claimed as PTSD and depression. Additional information is needed to determine if the Veteran's current diagnoses are at least as likely as not related to his in-service stressors.,The claims for increased ratings for right and left knee degenerative arthritis remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions have been reopened, and some have been granted. The effective date for the increased rating of bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically whether it was incurred in service or aggravated by service. The Board also requested an examination to determine if the condition clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and dysthymia, are remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions. Additional evidence is needed to properly assess the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain and disc disease, status post-surgery. The appeal for a higher rating for the lumbosacral strain and disc disease remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to service connection and disability ratings for various conditions. The Board has determined that further development is necessary in order to make a determination on these claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's neck disorder, hypertension, acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), and sleep apnea claims are all pending.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to new and material evidence. The issues of rating for lumbar spine disability and TDIU are remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the reopening of the psychiatric disability claim.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric condition (panic disorder, depressive disorder, alcohol dependence, and cocaine dependence) is rated at 100 percent. The other service-connected disabilities do not render the Veteran unemployable without regard to his psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied. The Veteran is granted service connection for depression as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted effective August 15, 2012. Basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is also granted effective August 15, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claim for a retrospective opinion regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to May 24, 2013. The claim is also remanded due to outstanding VA Vocational Rehabilitation records that have not been considered.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability (characterized as persistent depressive disorder or adjustment reaction disorder) is rated at 70 percent, but the appeal for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired mental disorder, including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, insomnia, and PTSD was reopened due to new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further examination and review.