Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's MDD with PTSD is rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran's asthma is rated at 30 percent, requiring daily inhalation of bronchodilator therapy.,The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50 percent, indicating very frequent prostrating attacks.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. The decision also found that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of preexisting aggravation.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression disorder have been granted service connection, with a rating of 70% effective from August 29, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder due to a personal assault in service have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder, did not begin during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the reduction of his disability rating for Major Depressive Disorder with alcohol abuse is dismissed because he elected to have it reviewed by a VLJ while his Higher-Level Review was still pending.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) was granted effective August 1, 2019. The Board denied an earlier effective date of January 4, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for depression and other psychiatric disorders. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his current mental health conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was initially rated at 30 percent prior to November 6, 2018 and increased to 70 percent effective November 6, 2018.,Prior to November 6, 2018, the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Since then, his condition has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder is dismissed. The Board also granted entitlement to total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to a service-connected disability (TDIU).

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious distress, finding that the evidence supports a link between his military experiences and his current psychological symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, requiring an examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms are related to his time in service.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of secondary service connection for sleep apnea due to an inadequate opinion and new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted due to the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and assistance due to her service-connected major depressive disorder. The claim for SMC based on housebound status is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and related psychiatric disorders due to new evidence received. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was caused by his in-service personal assault. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA examinations and a need for updated medical records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these issues are addressed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete information regarding employment history and a need for a new examination to assess the combined effects of service-connected disabilities on employment potential.