Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 26, 2015, for the grant of service connection for mental health condition, including PTSD with panic attacks, nightmare disorder, and opioid disorder is denied as he did not file a claim prior to that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI and anxiety to include depressive disorder were granted, but the effective dates are set at March 19, 2012. The appeal is denied as there is no evidence of an earlier effective date prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the accuracy of a private mental health evaluation and the need for additional evidence to corroborate in-service stressors. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depression is being reviewed again.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and degenerative disc disease, have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, claimed as unspecified depressive disorder, on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected physical disabilities. The claim is remanded for further action regarding a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a left hip disability and an increased rating for his unspecified depressive disorder was denied. The proposed reduction in the rating for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a left hip disability and an increased rating for his unspecified depressive disorder was denied. The proposed reduction in the rating for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted a 50% disability rating. The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right foot, hip, shoulder, and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for major depressive disorder due to his withdrawal of the appeal at a hearing. The claim was not granted, and no new evidence was submitted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder. The decision finds that these conditions are related to active-duty service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with TBI was granted a 70 percent evaluation prior to December 27, 2019. However, an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for this condition since that date is denied.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus type II, and unspecified depressive disorder. The right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy appeal was dismissed due to a reduction from 10% to 0%. Other claims were addressed but not decided.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a left hip disability and an increased rating for his unspecified depressive disorder was denied. The proposed reduction in the rating for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for back condition, depression, PTSD, and left shin splints.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to verify the Veteran's in-service stressors and obtain medical opinions regarding his psychiatric, prostate cancer residuals, COPD, dementia, and sleep disorder claims. The issues have been remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran is granted a 70 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder and cognitive disorder effective December 8, 2008. The Board found that his symptoms warranted this level of disability as of December 6, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed GAD and recurrent depressive disorder are related to his active duty service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of service connection for chronic bronchitis, tension headaches, chronic depression, PTSD, and a reproductive disorder (claimed as erectile dysfunction).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression is a result of his service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI residuals, migraine headaches, PTSD with depression, and pansinusitis including headaches have been granted. The Veteran is also awarded a 50% rating for his pansinusitis condition since September 16, 2014.