Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder were denied, but her claim for TDIU was granted as of October 30, 2017.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety resulted in considerable social and industrial impairment, resulting in a grant of an initial rating of 50 percent prior to February 15, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder was denied. The Veteran is granted TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate due to his service-connected MDD.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder with TBI, as well as post-concussion headaches, have been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing his appeals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU, as well as service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, an intestinal disorder, hemorrhoids, a gastroesophageal disorder, and erectile dysfunction due to in-service events or disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, effective August 21, 2020. The Board also granted a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including an increase evaluation for right knee disability and a TDIU prior to February 15, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD, MDD, and alcohol dependence have been rated at 70 percent since October 14, 2019. This rating is granted as the disability results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder and cocaine use disorder was received on October 31, 2007. The appeal is denied as there are no earlier effective dates granted.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disability was not filed prior to October 31, 2007. The appeal is also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives. The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a nervous condition and depression, claimed as due to military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeal for service connection for schizophrenia and depression, finding that his character of discharge did not bar VA benefits. The Board also found that he was insane at the time of the in-service offenses leading to his discharge.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to pending development of her employment history.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder as the evidence did not establish a diagnosis of PTSD or etiological relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for melanoma, bilateral hearing loss, a respiratory condition (previously evaluated as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and an acquired psychiatric disorder including depression and memory loss are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD and MDD was granted with an effective date of December 14, 1996. This decision is based on the initial submission of a formal claim within one year of separation from active service.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder were granted initial ratings of 70 percent, effective October 16, 2009. A TDIU was also granted on this date, along with DEA benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service. The claim is reopened due to new evidence, but further evaluation is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are not related to his active duty service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, due to a lack of recent VA treatment records. The Veteran's service personnel records show changes in his MOS from radio operator to postal clerk and military police. He reported vision problems that affected his ability to drive and work at his military specialty.