Depression decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a bad conduct discharge, finding that his entire period of active service is a bar to VA benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they do not rise to the level needed for such benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically addressing her in-service sexual harassment.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is granted with a 30 percent rating. The issue of service connection for rhinitis is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, along with related conditions such as depression and insomnia, based on the Veteran's reported in-service stressors.

The Board has accepted the Veteran's appeal as to the timeliness of his substantive appeal for TDIU and has determined that he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities. The rating assigned is 90 percent, effective from the date of the February 2016 NOD.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 70 percent for depression prior to August 21, 2019. The matter of TDIU prior to this date is remanded due to the Veteran's employment status.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a psychiatric disorder was received on February 25, 2011. The Board denied an earlier effective date because the earliest possible effective date is the date of receipt of the application to reopen, which is February 25, 2011.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to exposure to herbicide agent (PACT Act), but denied the claims for acquired psychiatric disability and sleep apnea. The effective date is not specified.

The appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim for HIV. The claims of service connection for neck, low back, right knee, left knee, and left shoulder disabilities have been remanded due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder has rendered him incapable of substantially gainful employment throughout the appellate period prior to February 10, 2020.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal regarding the increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and major depressive disorder. The left knee PFPS issue is remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions and need for further examination regarding his psychiatric disability and difficulty swallowing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from February 1, 2018 to July 27, 2021. The Board granted a TDIU during this period.

The Board has determined that there was insufficient evidence in the July 2020 VA opinion to support a decision on the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder. The case is being remanded again due to inadequate development.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted a maximum 100 percent rating for the entire appeal period, representing total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, PTSD, and schizoaffective disorder due to his failure to report for a necessary VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The decision finds that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric condition and opioid abuse disorder. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a bilateral heel/foot condition, depression, and chronic sinus/allergy disorder have been granted. The right lower extremity disability associated with the lumbar spine has been remanded. Other issues remain pending.