Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's application to reopen their previously denied claims for service connection for headaches, acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and anxiety), blackout disability, and spasm of the temples is granted. The appeals are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of major depressive disorder is granted, with an effective date of February 15, 2012. The Board found that the correct effective date was February 15, 2012, as this was when the Veteran first informed VA he was being treated for depression.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD with depression, a headache disability, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are granted. The claim for residuals of a cervical spine injury is reopened but denied due to lack of evidence showing current disability.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's major depressive disorder and unspecified neurocognitive disorder, as these conditions may be related to his service-connected headaches.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and depression) and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. Service connection was denied for a back disorder, heart disorder, prostate cancer, and diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity disabilities render him nearly so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, diagnosed as inflammatory facet joint arthropathy. The appeal was dismissed for the issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and chronic depression.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in a 70 percent disability rating since August 18, 2016. The Board has found that the evidence does not support an increase in rating or earlier effective date for the PTSD rating.

The Veteran's brain tumor, headaches, depression, sleep disorder (insomnia), and seizure disorder are all granted service connection as secondary to the primary condition of a brain tumor. The Veteran also has service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the evidence is sufficient to trigger the duty to provide a VA examination to determine whether any diagnosed mental disorder is related to or was aggravated by service. The Veteran's statements and medical records support this determination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for a new examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar disorder are being reviewed.

The Veteran's request to reopen her service connection claim for hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease is denied. Her request to reopen her service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder is granted. The Veteran's request to reopen her service connection claim for migraine headaches is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and granted an initial rating of 100 percent for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) prior to April 8, 2016.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD is granted as secondary to his service-connected celiac disease and chronic epididymitis. His initial claim for a stomach condition was denied, but he now has service connection for celiac disease effective from November 30, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran needs to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression). Right ear hearing loss is found to be aggravated by service. Service connection for left ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder are not granted as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression and PTSD has been reopened, and the Board finds that his current psychiatric disability is related to his military service. His claim for a higher rating for his left ankle disability remains denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of depression.

The Veteran's ED is caused by his service-connected conditions and the medications for those conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. Service connection is denied for alcohol abuse and cannabis dependence.