Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for a right arm/shoulder disability, back disability, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disability (to include depression and PTSD) due to potential new evidence or clarification of service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a cervical spine disability, residuals of a head injury, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to the Veteran's reported assault at Fort Dix in 1972. The VA is instructed to obtain Social Security Administration records, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination regarding his cervical spine condition, another for his head injuries, and a third for his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder is granted. The Board also remanded the case to obtain a retrospective medical opinion regarding the earliest date of ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The issue of service connection for a bilateral eye condition is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, umbilical hernia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety, depression) as new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the severity of his hearing loss and psychiatric disabilities, as well as the nature and etiology of his right knee condition.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including PTSD with MDD as secondary to PTSD, is now rated at 50 percent from November 29, 2017.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran was found not to have current left ear hearing loss for VA purposes, and his employment as a service technician was considered in determining that he could secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and chronic depression, due to a personal trauma or military sexual assault. The Veteran provided new evidence that she did not give truthful testimony during her CID investigation.,The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are being remanded for further evaluation due to the progression of his symptoms. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also being added as it has been raised in connection with the increased rating claim.

The Board has reopened the service connection claim for the residuals of a bilateral eye surgery due to new medical evidence. The other issues are remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, due to new evidence received since the last decision. The claims will be adjudicated on a de novo basis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA will obtain additional medical records and schedule a VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and traumatic brain injury have been characterized by depression, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal ideation, a few suicide attempts, social and occupational impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board has determined that the current rating of 70% adequately reflects his social and work impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU. The rating for major depressive disorder remains under review.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and depression as secondary to a personality disorder, finding that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with panic attacks was rated at 50% from October 31, 2005 to May 28, 2015; 70% from May 29, 2015 to March 7, 2017; and in excess of 50% from March 8, 2017 to March 7, 2018. The appeal was denied as the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for residuals of left eye injury, bilateral hearing loss, and headaches was denied. The claims for service connection for low back disability, heart disability, diabetes mellitus type 2, traumatic brain injury, acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and depression), and TDIU prior to October 11, 2011 were remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.