Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD with unspecified depression prior to January 24, 2017, was denied as there is no evidence of a prior application or intent to file.,The Veteran's PTSD disability rating prior to January 6, 2020, was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

Service connection is granted for spinal stenosis and IVDS, bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and depression.,Service connection is denied for gout.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the left hand are granted as secondary to his service-connected right hand condition.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, depressive disorder, and secondary polysubstance use disorder is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and MDD, were not incurred in or related to service. The evidence did not support a finding of an in-service stressor for PTSD, and there was no credible supporting evidence of other in-service events causing the current diagnoses.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted with an effective date of January 27, 2011. Special monthly compensation for the appeal period from May 29, 2014 to May 18, 2018 is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, urinary frequency, hemorrhoids, depression, and insomnia as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service or service-connected diabetes mellitus.,A disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, tinea pedis, and hypertension was also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection and SMC were dismissed as they did not meet the procedural requirements under the modernized review system (AMA).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for blindness, including light perception only, and left leg condition have been denied. The claim for acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD) is being remanded to obtain more information about the in-service stressor and toxic exposure.,The Veteran's claim for dyspnea has also been remanded to determine if there was an in-service exposure event.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of unspecified depressive disorder, which was previously rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since August 14, 2023. The rating reflects significant impairment in work and social functioning.

The Veteran's other specified depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, but no higher, due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent since June 19, 2015. The Board finds that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has revised the November 2004 rating decision, finding clear and unmistakable error in denying service connection for adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent insomnia, left and right knee disabilities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, migraine headaches, tachycardia with chest pain, left heel disability, right foot disability, vertigo, TBI, and hiatal hernia, render her incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and assessments.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that an increased evaluation in excess of 70 percent is not warranted. The Veteran's impairment of the knee (right) is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, are granted as service connected. Service connection for PTSD is denied due to lack of a medical link.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased disability rating for unspecified depressive disorder, stating he is content with the current 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of thoracolumbar strain, migraine headaches, allergic rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and PTSD with major depressive disorder (MDD) have been denied. The most recent evaluation for thoracolumbar strain is 40 percent disabling, while the other conditions remain at their initial evaluations.