Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has granted a TDIU effective from May 17, 2016, based on the combined impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendering him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU from September 1, 2003 to February 5, 2013 was denied. The Board found that the criteria were not met during this period.,An increased rating of 100% for service-connected major depressive disorder (to include depression, schizophrenia, and cognitive impairment) was granted effective November 7, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent prior to November 27, 2018 for Meniere’s syndrome is denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not include attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring from one to four times a month or more than once weekly.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and an increased rating for chronic prostatitis status post TURP have been granted, with the effective date of November 28, 2006, for the award of service connection for depression. The initial rating for chronic prostatitis has also been increased to 20 percent from January 13, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board cannot adjudicate the merits of this appeal as they have no jurisdiction.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's claims and need for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and private treatment records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine his current psychiatric conditions and their relationship to service.

The appeal for service connection for prostate cancer is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to service-connected low back pain, is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted at a rating of 70 percent, effective June 16, 2013. Other claims are either denied or remanded.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to lack of new and material evidence, as no evidence was provided showing the exact cause of death or its relation to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and need for a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of his service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS is remanded due to the need for updated medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was rated at 30% prior to January 30, 2012 and granted a 70% rating effective January 30, 2012.,Service connection for sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension secondary to residuals of left knee injury with arthritis is remanded.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since June 20, 2017. This rating reflects the most severe impairment due to his condition.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by military service. The claim was reopened based on new evidence, but the Board concluded that this did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a traumatic brain injury is denied as there are no current residuals associated with the claimed condition.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is remanded. The VA examiner will determine if these conditions had their onset in or are otherwise etiologically related to his period of active service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, depression disorder, and schizophrenia. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder), gastrointestinal disability (secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder), and erectile dysfunction (secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder) are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service or service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar and lower extremity conditions, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. As a result, SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD because the evidence did not show that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to September 16, 2008.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depression due to new and material evidence received since the last final denial. The case is remanded for further development, including a VA examination.