Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's tinnitus and unspecified depressive disorder with anxiety are granted service connection. The case is remanded for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of hypertension and a right eye disorder, as well as whether these conditions are secondary to or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including paranoid schizophrenia and depression, has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and determination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, depression, and adjustment disorder, had its onset during service. The Board finds that the Veteran's disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psychosis has been dismissed as moot because they are now eligible for treatment due to the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, or mood disorder, as the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of any such condition and there was no nexus to military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, increased ratings for his low back strain, right knee disability, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica, as well as special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder due to military sexual trauma (MST), finding that there was no evidence linking her current psychiatric disorders to her active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS is at least as likely as not related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for unspecified depressive disorder has been denied.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for internal derangement of the left knee (limited flexion), limited extension, and instability have been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for persistent depressive disorder and major depressive disorder, but denied service connection for a left fifth finger disability. The Veteran's current mental health conditions are considered to have had their onset during his active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (including alcohol abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety) due to incomplete service records. The AOJ is required to obtain all relevant service treatment records and personnel records from January 1960 to January 1990. They are also instructed to clarify the Veteran's periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA. Additionally, a psychiatric examination must be conducted to assess the nature and etiology of any current mental disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for further development, including scheduling the Veteran for another examination.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that the Veteran did not have any acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD related to service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, low back disability, neck disability, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability have been granted.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and CAD have been granted effective from December 9, 2002. The earlier effective dates for the increased ratings are established.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is granted service connection. Tinnitus is denied as not related to service. Hypertension is also denied as not related to service. Cardiovascular disorder (arteriosclerosis), kidney disorder, and diabetes mellitus are all denied on secondary basis.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of PTSD from September 3, 2009 to April 13, 2011 is denied. The appeal is remanded for further development on several issues.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to evaluate the Veteran for mental disorders other than PTSD, as the previous examination was restricted to PTSD only.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability is denied on a schedular and extraschedular basis. The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since June 15, 2017, and the appeal for higher ratings remains pending.