Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea, claimed as secondary to his service-connected depression, needs further examination and opinion before a final decision can be made.

The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent, but no more. He also receives a TDIU rating due to his service-connected MDD making him unable to work.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a headache disorder and major depressive disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of very frequent prostrating and prolonged attacks or total occupational and social impairment, respectively.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and residuals of abdominal injury have been reopened, and the claim for PTSD has been granted. The claim for residuals of abdominal injury is still pending.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for chronic fatigue syndrome was denied, but he was granted a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran’s service-connected conditions precluded him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities made him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as of January 1, 2013. The Board granted TDIU effective from April 4, 2013.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since February 16, 2006. He also received a TDIU rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound due to a lack of evidence showing she is in need of regular aid and assistance or permanently housebound.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not arise from his military service and were more likely related to employment issues after discharge.

The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for right knee disability is granted. A rating of 60 percent, but no higher, for status post left total knee replacement is granted. Service connection for right knee disability and acquired psychiatric disability are remanded.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for service-connected persistent depressive disorder was denied, with a final pre-aggravation baseline evaluation of 10 percent and an assigned post-aggravation rating of 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, including hepatitis C and depression. The decision grants entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression and alcohol abuse, and a disability claimed as a gynecological condition due to lack of current diagnoses or in-service disease/injury related to these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, depression, and polysubstance abuse disorders, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and missing VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disability is pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and depression, including stressor verification and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, including unspecified anxiety disorder and depression, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has ordered additional development to determine the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to use of custom insoles/sling supports was denied as shoes are not classified as articles of 'clothing' that can be damaged by wear and tear for purposes of a VA clothing allowance.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected bilateral eye condition, finding that his current depression is related to his loss of vision due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's son is seeking DIC benefits as the helpless child of his father due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching age 18. The Board has ordered further development, including obtaining SSA records and psychiatric treatment records.