Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, with alcohol substance abuse and PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from October 11, 2016. Effective July 21, 2018, the disability has more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, with alcohol substance abuse and PTSD is rated at a maximum of 100 percent from July 21, 2018.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance due to unclear evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for VA examinations and his unstable housing situation. The claims of service connection for TBI, PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder are being reviewed again as new medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD and alcohol abuse disorder is denied as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred during active service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD and depressive disorder, from December 6, 2019, was denied. The VA determined that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's MDD with PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted. The TDIU issue remains pending as additional information about her employment history is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis of these conditions during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, memory loss, and a sleep disorder is denied. Service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is also denied.

The Board has determined that the VA did not substantially comply with its previous remand directives and thus, another remand is necessary to obtain an adequate opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed back condition and acquired psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been granted a 70 percent initial disability rating prior to October 2, 2019. The TDIU claim for the same period has also been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to May 20, 2020 and at 70 percent thereafter. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.,For the period from May 20, 2020 onward, the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the veteran's conditions and their service, particularly exposure to cold weather.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's Vet Center records and to ensure that he provides information regarding his employment history for a TDIU claim. The appeal will be remanded to allow these actions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service-connected PTSD was granted, with the effective date set at September 23, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, sleep disturbance, and cervical spine disability have been granted. The claim for a cervical spine disability was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding PTSD, right knee disability, anxiety, and depression. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, finding that there was no evidence showing a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) but denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than MDD.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD and remanded the issue of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder due to COPD. The case is now being returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.