Depression decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from following or maintaining substantial gainful employment, and he is granted a TDIU. Additionally, the Veteran has been found to have a total and permanent disability by reason of his service-connected disabilities for purposes of the grant of DEA benefits.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation due to the need for aid and attendance and/or due to being housebound, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board has denied the Veteran's requests for an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for her major depressive disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of various disabilities.,New and material evidence has been submitted, allowing the reopening of claims for bilateral hearing loss and stomach disability.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back disorder, and a left knee disorder due to lack of evidence showing the condition was related to service.

Effective September 8, 2011, a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted. Effective November 21, 2014, special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound level is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need to address a claim of clear and unmistakable error regarding an earlier effective date for his service-connected schizophrenia with alcohol use disorder.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinion and consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder was denied, while he was granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his Major Depressive Disorder was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity required for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no causal relationship between his current condition and his military service.

This decision denies earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection and eligibility to Chapter 35 DEA benefits. The Veteran's claims were received after final decisions, so the earliest possible effective dates are granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is intertwined with the PTSD appeal and requires additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and secondary service connection due to lack of medical evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his military service or any in-service events.

The Board has denied service connection for a kidney disability but has remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's kidney disability is not related to his military service and there are conflicting diagnoses of psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, to include as due to service-connected neck and left eyebrow scars. The case requires further development with a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's LLE radiculopathy is granted with a rating of 20 percent. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression and PTSD, is remanded due to incomplete information.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder with TBI are rated at 100 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his current conditions were not related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD and its relationship to service, including a possible sexual assault during service.