Depression decisions — 2020

The Board has granted an effective date of March 7, 2002 for the assignment of a 100 percent rating for service-connected major depression with psychotic features and panic disorder without agoraphobia. The increase in disability became ascertainable prior to this date.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depression are granted a 100 percent rating, effective from the date of her claim. The issue of finding TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the already assigned 100 percent rating for PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability and has remanded his claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, CVA residuals, and prostate disorder due to insufficient evidence or conflicting diagnoses.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left eye disability has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but has remanded it for further development and examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The remand requires additional opinions from VA examiners to address the etiology of these conditions, particularly regarding hypertension and its relation to diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance of another person due to the functional limitations, including inability to prepare meals, manage finances, and perform necessary hygiene tasks.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent from January 7, 2008. He also received a TDIU based on PTSD and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's initial rating for service-connected depressive disorder is being remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected disabilities of major depressive disorder, asthma and gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of verification for the Veteran's in-service stressor and an incomplete examination, which may affect the determination of service connection for his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been granted a 100% disability rating, and the issue of TDIU is moot as her current schedular rating already meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for joint pain, recurrent skin disorder, and psychiatric disability (anxiety and depression) as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for major depressive disorder is dismissed. The Veteran's skin disability, diagnosed as lichen nitidus, is granted service connection.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a missing statement of the case (SOC) and requests for VA medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and tinnitus due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions began during active service.

Service connection for major depressive disorder was restored effective June 1, 2019. The Veteran's eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is also restored.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in duty to assist. The Veteran is requested to provide information about his mental health providers and VA will obtain their records. Additionally, VA must attempt to corroborate the Veteran's reported stressors during his deployment to Okinawa.