Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder, erectile dysfunction, cervical condition, and low back condition are granted. The case is remanded to obtain VA examinations for the cervical and low back conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the addition of new VA treatment records.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal of the issues related to left shoulder disability, irritable bowel syndrome, depression with drug abuse, cervical spine disability, and TDIU. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal request.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder is granted. A rating higher than 10 percent for GERD and hiatal hernia from June 24, 2014 to February 17, 2019 is denied. An extension of the temporary total evaluation beyond the period from February 18, 2019 to April 30, 2019 for surgical or other treatment necessitating convalescence for a hiatal hernia disorder is denied. A rating higher than 10 percent for GERD and hiatal hernia from May 1, 2019 to the present is denied.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded to attempt to verify his service in Southwest Asia and obtain any missing personnel and medical records. The Board will then adjudicate the reopened claims based on the evidence received.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to January 17, 2014. The Board denied his claim for TDIU as the evidence does not show he was incapable of obtaining and maintaining gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran is not just diagnosed with PTSD, but also adjustment disorder and unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for migraine headaches and acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression and anxiety, are remanded due to new evidence received since the last final denial. The Board finds that the new evidence raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder, as well as tinnitus. The claims are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions provided in prior VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient VA opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and whether his obesity from service-connected disabilities is a substantial factor in causing his sleep apnea.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The issues of entitlement to a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and TDIU are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and alcohol dependence, finding no persuasive evidence that these conditions began during or were caused by his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, and for a higher rating for left shoulder disability prior to February 18, 2020. The Veteran's history of bipolar disorder and adjustment disorder is considered in the psychiatric claim, and additional functional loss due to flare-ups and range of motion findings are requested.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information from a previous VA examination. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and depression, need further evaluation by a VA examiner.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a relevant medical opinion from Dr. Gray submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's timely substantive appeal was received, and thus the December 2015 rating decision denying service connection for multiple disabilities is granted.

A 70 percent rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and MDD is granted, but no higher. The Veteran's symptoms are currently rated as meeting the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD with major depressive disorder and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. As a result, he is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, heart disorder, lung disorder and obstructive sleep apnea have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or exposure to conditions that would warrant these diagnoses.