Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 40 percent, and his TDIU claim for the period prior to May 26, 2021, is granted. The Veteran also receives SMC based on the statutory housebound rate.

The Board has granted service connection for treatment purposes only under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 17 for right and left knee disabilities, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder based on the appellant's credible lay statements of in-service injuries and current symptoms.

The Veteran's claims to service connect an acquired psychiatric disorder and a menstrual disorder are being remanded for further review on the merits.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for TDIU was granted due to the combined effect of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a cerebral vascular accident (stroke) is dismissed.,Service connection is granted for skin disease, and the Veteran has been diagnosed with this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for acute intermittent tension headaches has been dismissed. The claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him helpless enough to require such assistance.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent, but the claim for an increased evaluation has been denied. The effective dates for TDIU and DEA are granted as of September 9, 2009.

The Board has remanded all issues on appeal due to the need for further development and evidence collection. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disability, stroke with residuals, and sleep apnea have not been substantiated by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various foot, shoulder, hip, ankle, fatigue, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and psychiatric conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.,There was no medical nexus provided to link any of the Veteran's current diagnoses to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder, cervical muscle spasms, and lumbar myositis, minimal spondylosis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disability.,The evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to his service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left foot disorder, and a low back disorder due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment since December 3, 2003. The TDIU claim is granted for the period from December 3, 2003 to January 31, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depression are granted as they are linked to their service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim of service connection for depression before a decision was made.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is granted, and he is also granted service connection for diabetic nephropathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent under the General Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 50 percent for depressive disorder with anxiety disorder is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and verification of SSA records.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since March 8, 2012 and granted a 70 percent rating effective July 9, 2021. The Board found that the Veteran's MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity throughout the entire period from March 8, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding the service connection for PTSD, depression with anxiety, and substance-induced mood disorder. A new medical opinion is needed using the correct evidentiary standard.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, bilateral knee osteoarthritis, and other specified depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,Specifically, a VA examiner is needed to address whether the current headache syndrome began during military service or is otherwise related to that service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied in October 2012. New evidence received since then suggests a potential relationship between the Veteran's current mental health conditions and his active service, warranting reopening of the claim.