Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and stimulant use disorder have been granted a 70 percent rating from September 21, 2020, effective date. The appeal was for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and unaddressed psychiatric diagnoses. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disorder, its likely etiology, and whether it is related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the presence of other diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders, and a new examination is needed to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and additional development is needed.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and alcohol dependence in full remission is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with unspecified sexual dysfunction and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but not more. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder are rated at 50% from February 2, 2005 to October 24, 2017. The Board has granted a grant of TDIU effective February 2, 2005.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (previously PTSD) and a lumbar disability. The cases are remanded to determine if these conditions are related to service or other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) addressing the issues of attorney fees and increased disability rating.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety is rated at 70 percent since February 21, 2018. Prior to this date, the rating was denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU and DEA benefits was denied as there were no prior claims or inferred claims of entitlement to these benefits prior to March 1, 2017. The effective dates for the grants are set at March 1, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse, left knee degenerative joint disease, and right knee degenerative joint disease, rendered him unemployable as of December 15, 2010. Effective from that date, the Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for a higher disability rating and TDIU prior to December 5, 2017 are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with prior remand directives regarding research of the Veteran's in-service stressor. The Veteran is seeking service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, which are currently diagnosed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is denied. The Veteran's PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and sleep disturbance are granted with a 50% rating. The Veteran's cervical strain is denied as not warranting an increased rating. The Veteran's right shoulder strain is denied as not warranting an increased rating. The Veteran's right knee tendonitis with shin splints is denied as not warranting an increased rating. The Veteran's BPH is denied as not warranting an increased rating. The Veteran's left shin splint is denied as not warranting a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for subjective paresthesias has been reopened, and he is entitled to a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of this condition.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder remains remanded as there are insufficient findings from his previous VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression has rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for Major Depressive Disorder from November 5, 2012 to March 13, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, mood disorder, and depression. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to in-service stressors.