Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent, effective October 29, 2015. The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder was initially granted a 10 percent rating prior to January 19, 2023 and later increased to 50 percent beginning on that date.,The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5260. The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder was initially granted a 10 percent rating prior to January 19, 2023 and later increased to 50 percent beginning on that date.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the etiology of any right arm neurological disability associated with his service-connected Dupuytren's nodule.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced and resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, effective date determinations, and other claims due to procedural defects in the initial rating decision.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 24, 2010 for the award of service connection for PTSD based on military sexual trauma (MST). This decision is based on the fact that the Veteran's original claim was pending at the time he submitted his July 26, 2016 claim.

The Veteran's left knee disability and unspecified depressive disorder have been granted. The Veteran is also in receipt of a 70% rating for his unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for higher staged ratings for other specified depressive disorder, migraine headaches, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to procedural issues. The AOJ will review the newly-obtained evidence and issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claims for unspecified depressive disorder and right foot hallux valgus have been granted. The claim for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected lumbar spine strain, scars of the left third toe and left great toe, status-post surgery, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are all remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) for aid and attendance was denied because the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities alone rendered him in need of regular aid and assistance.,Initial ratings higher than 10 percent for hypopigmented scars, residual of cervical fusion, and scars, status post cervical fusions were also denied as there was insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating has been denied. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, secondary to his service-connected disabilities, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for depressive disorder from October 14, 2021, to March 15, 2023, was granted with a 70% disability rating. The claim for TDIU was also granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a pre-decisional error in fulfilling the duty to assist. Specifically, a medical opinion is needed regarding whether the Appellant was insane at the time of his discharge.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression. The Veteran is requested to undergo a VA examination to determine if his current condition is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, PTSD prior to February 12, 2013, and depression have been granted. However, the Board must now reconsider these decisions due to newly received service department records.,Service connection for diabetes is being remanded because new evidence shows that the Veteran served in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Veteran is required to undergo a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD, is related to his military service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has restored the Veteran's PTSD rating to 70 percent effective March 1, 2020 after finding that the reduction was improper due to inadequate notification of the scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD and anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, effective November 1, 2018. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from April 10, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted.,Service connection has been established for major depressive disorder, headaches secondary to back impairment and major depressive disorder, and sleep apnea secondary to back impairment and major depressive disorder.