Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for her anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD and depression) was dismissed because she agreed with the assigned 70 percent disability rating, which covers the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine if his current acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service or a stressor during service.

Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, with Dr. V.Z.'s opinion being considered persuasive.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been granted service connection with an effective date of March 21, 1996. The Board also found that the Veteran has other disabilities for which he is already receiving service connection.,Service connection was established for sleep apnea and major depressive disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a variety of psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's combat service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for multiple sclerosis, depressive disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorders (other than lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spondylosis), right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and bipolar disorder have been granted. The issues of service connection for other lumbar spine disorders are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inextricably intertwined issues and requests for a new Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, pain disorder associated with arch pain, gouty arthritis, hypertension, hemorrhoids, and bilateral pes planus have been rated as 50%, 20%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 10%, and 0% respectively. The combined rating is 70%. The Veteran's major depressive disorder has caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% disability rating for the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging a psychiatric examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including as secondary to sleep apnea) and depression are still under consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymic disorder. The VA must obtain all pertinent medical records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric conditions and his service. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to determine if any of these conditions are related to in-service stressors or other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious stress was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The other issues were remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, atypical depression NOS, GERD, menstrual disorder, lumbar spine disorder, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, bilateral hip disorder, and anemia have been granted. The claims were reopened due to new evidence related to a previously denied claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (numbness of legs), and major depressive disorder are granted secondary service connection.,Service connection for fibromyalgia, neck disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, lipid disorder, sleep disorder, and headache disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded and will be addressed separately.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, as well as evaluations for diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The remand requires obtaining additional VA treatment records, translating a Spanish service record, scheduling a new psychiatric examination, and providing opinions on the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed because he died during the pendency of his appeal, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder is denied. His claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a stroke, due to VA's alleged lack of care or negligence in failing to provide preventative care, is remanded. The issue of secondary service connection for the stroke due to diabetes mellitus type 2 is also referred to the RO.

This decision dismisses appeals for various effective dates related to service connection, disability ratings, and the propriety of evaluations. The Veteran's claims are dismissed as he withdrew them prior to a Board decision.,The reduction in the rating for lumbosacral strain with osteoarthritis from 40 percent to 10 percent is granted.