Depression decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further review.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent effective September 4, 2018. A higher rating prior to that date is denied. Special monthly compensation (SMC) at the 's' rate is granted starting from September 4, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating greater than 30 percent for depression prior to August 19, 2020 is denied.,The Veteran's appeal for a rating greater than 50 percent for depression from August 19, 2020 is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Persistent Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. Service connection for PTSD was remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding its onset.

The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to January 24, 2020 and denied a higher rating.,On or after January 24, 2020, the Veteran's depression was rated at 70 percent and also denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's discharge was due to a service-connected disability, meeting the eligibility criteria for VA educational assistance under Chapter 33 of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and associated TBI are currently rated at 50 percent, effective December 19, 2016. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's reported in-service personal assaults and other evidence, including a private PTSD evaluation. The Veteran is requested to provide additional evidence or inform VA about potential sources of such evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including psychosis NOS, depression with psychotic features, PTSD, and schizophrenia. The effective date of the grant is not specified in this decision.

The Veteran's sleep disability, including insomnia and acquired psychiatric disorders (unspecified depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder), are granted as service-connected. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating from 30% to 50% for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder and depressive disorder, previously rated as psychosis, is granted effective July 15, 2008. The decision also grants a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right hip pain, restless leg syndrome, intrascapular pain, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea associated with post-traumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder and insomnia disorder due to additional evidence received after the April 2014 SOC.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The claim for an increased rating for his mental disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder, degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, and bilateral knee conditions, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for right shoulder tendonitis and service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder with depression are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues are being remanded.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids was denied. The RO granted a 10 percent rating for hemorrhoids prior to October 16, 2017, and a 60 percent rating thereafter.,For the period prior to October 16, 2017, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for impaired sphincter control was granted with a 30 percent rating. For the period after October 16, 2017, a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression and knee conditions, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since September 30, 2010. The Board has granted a TDIU effective that date.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, anxiety, and PTSD. The appeal as to the issue of service connection for PLS is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for persistent depressive disorder with anxious features and her request for TDIU have been remanded due to the need to obtain SSA disability benefits records and provide notice on how to substantiate her TDIU claim.