Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was rated at 70 percent from April 29, 2015 to September 22, 2022. The Board found the symptoms met criteria for a 70 percent rating but not higher. Prior to August 7, 2015, the Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular requirements.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his PTSD, MDD, and alcohol dependence.

Service connection for Major Depressive Disorder is granted, and the Veteran's tinnitus disability remains at a 10% evaluation. The effective dates for various disabilities are also established.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various disabilities and initial rating determinations. The main reasons are due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examiner's findings and the need for additional evidence regarding the Veteran's reported in-service military sexual trauma (MST). The issues of service connection for PTSD, Chronic Adjustment Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder, and Major Depression are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to October 1, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent rating, effective as of the date of this decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development and a missed VA examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, insomnia disorder, major depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder, are being reviewed for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to concerns about the credibility of the Veteran's reports and a need for another examination by a different examiner.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and acquired psychiatric disorder claims require additional development due to incomplete examination reports. The case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, dermatitis, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. Service connection was denied for vertigo, acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety, depression, and PTSD), and dermatitis.

The Board denied service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depressive Disorder, and Alcohol Abuse Disorder due to a lack of evidence supporting the presence of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity for VA examinations and any updated treatment records will be obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than major depressive disorder and a bilateral knee disorder, finding no evidence of such conditions separate from his service-connected major depressive disorder. The claim for service connection was granted for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been granted a 100 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding SSA records that may contain relevant information for the VA examiner's opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective June 1, 2018. The reduction from 70 percent to 50 percent for PTSD effective June 1, 2018 was granted. A TDIU from February 1, 2018 to January 18, 2019 is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with bipolar II disorder is granted a 70 percent disability rating, but no higher. The other service-connected conditions are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left shoulder disability rating, and TDIU due to inadequate VA examination reports. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.