Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of anxiety disorder, as well as the claim for TDIU due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not reasonably foreseeable and grants DIC benefits under Section 1151 of the U.S. Code.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected low back disabilities.,The Veteran's lumbar strain, muscle spasm, spondylosis and degenerative disc disease are granted a rating of 40 percent.,The Veteran's trochanteric bursitis of the right hip remains at a 20 percent rating.,The Veteran's limitation of motion of the right hip remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back strain, major depressive disorder and anxiety, and bilateral knee disorder due to inadequate examinations and incomplete opinions.

The Board has found that the Veteran was not diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, PTSD, or a depressive disorder during his period of service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's initial rating of 50 percent for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder is being remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for IVDS is granted, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran also receives a TDIU based on his combined service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depression had its onset during service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's headache disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted service connection.,Effective dates for the awards of service connection are not specified in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened and remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The Board found that the Veteran has been diagnosed with MDD, GAD, and depressive disorder secondary to medical issues including pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, along with right and left upper extremity radiculopathy. High cholesterol or hyperlipidemia is denied due to it being a mere laboratory finding. Service connection for hypertension and residuals of stroke are also granted, but the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for these grants remains pending.

The Board has reinstated the Veteran's 70% rating for PTSD and reversed the discontinuation of his TDIU award since April 1, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for mood disorder, bipolar disorder, and depression.

The Board has determined that the July 2018 VA examination is inadequate and requires a new examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder was denied, as the evidence did not show that his disability warranted a higher evaluation. The Board also found no basis to grant TDIU or SMC based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and depressive disorder have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected lumbar and thoracic spine disabilities. Other claims remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for high blood pressure, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (diagnosed as PTSD and major depressive disorder) have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depressive disorder), finding that there is at least a 50% likelihood these conditions are related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinion regarding whether the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his service-connected conditions, specifically migraines, hearing loss, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), left side tinnitus, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and hemorrhoids associated with IBS.