Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of reopening his service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD) secondary to service-connected sinusitis. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, bilateral plantar fasciitis, rectal polyp, and major depressive disorder. Additional evidence is needed, including VA and private treatment records, and a new examination may be required.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of various conditions, including bilateral shoulder, hip, knee, ankle disabilities and depression. The claims for left ear hearing loss were reopened based on new evidence received since the April 1985 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD, with a current diagnosis and established link to his combat service. The decision is based on equipoise evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for tinnitus, major depressive disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), left shoulder condition, sleep apnea, cold injury residuals of the extremities, adenitis tuberculosis, and skin condition due to outstanding VA medical records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are granted as service connected due to the evidence being at least in equipoise regarding their causation by military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his service. The Veteran needs to provide a statement from his daughter and updated medical records, and an examination is needed to determine if his conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted a 70 percent rating from August 28, 2009 to March 4, 2014. The Board also found that a higher rating is not warranted for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The Board also granted a TDIU for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has denied service connection for depression and anxiety as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of these conditions. The claims are remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of her lumbar strain and right ankle disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as the evidence did not show a link between these conditions and service or service-connected headaches.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and recurrent major depressive disorder have rendered him unable to secure or maintain employment, so the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for dysthymic disorder with anxiety features, also claimed as anxiety and depression, to include as secondary to service-connected adenocarcinoma of prostate status post radical prostatectomy.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder has not been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, as his symptoms have not reached the level required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected physical disabilities caused his unspecified depressive disorder and unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claim of reopening a previously denied claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, mood disorder, major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and impulse control disorder is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for DJD of the left and right knees, DJD of the lumbar spine, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression and insomnia) due to inadequate examination reports and lack of nexus opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of VA examinations. The psychiatric disorder claim is related to his military service, while the hepatitis C and heart condition secondary to alcohol use disorder claims are intertwined with the psychiatric disorder claim.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for hypertension and remanded other issues related to service connection. The Veteran's claims are also remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and examinations.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for service connection and increased ratings. The gastric cancer claim is inextricably intertwined with the cause of death claim.