Depression decisions — 2015

Your claim for a higher initial rating for Major Depressive Disorder with Psychosis has been fully granted, and you are now receiving the maximum disability rating of 100% effective July 27, 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD has been found to warrant a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of claim. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, and anxiety disorder, is granted. An initial rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected psychiatric disability (to include PTSD, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder) is denied.

The Veteran's death was due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but the Board found that his mental unsoundness at the time of suicide meant it did not constitute willful misconduct. The Veteran had depression and mood disorder related to service, which contributed to his suicide.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and major depressive disorder, finding new and material evidence. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating prior to January 6, 2010. From that date onward, his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant an increased rating. The Veteran also failed to demonstrate eligibility for TDIU due to his current employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, is being remanded due to the failure to report for a scheduled Travel Board hearing. The case will be handled by scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with major depressive disorder, coronary artery disease, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to perform his activities of daily living without regular assistance from another person. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc and joint disease. The Veteran is now entitled to de novo review of his claim, which the Board finds in favor of him as he has presented evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder (PTSD), was remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for PTSD and impotence, finding new and material evidence. The claims are now pending on their merits.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to her service-connected right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran was also denied TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The Board granted service connection for major depression with PTSD and assigned a 50% disability rating effective October 31, 2008. Service connection was also granted for rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis of the feet, hands, ankles, wrists, hips, and shoulders. The effective dates were not specified as they are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 1997, and he is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent since July 30, 2009. This rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board denied VA benefits because the Veteran's discharge from his second period of service was dishonorable due to a court martial conviction for willful and persistent misconduct, and there is no evidence he was insane at the time of the offenses.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to verify the Veteran's in-service stressful experiences and to obtain an updated VA examination regarding her psychiatric claims.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder is not related to service. The VA examiner found no evidence that the current left foot-ankle disorder relates to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hip disorders, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the claims.