Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities from April 6, 2018. Prior to this date, the TDIU was denied as he did not meet the schedular requirements.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent, effective December 26, 2023. A TDIU rating is granted for service-connected disabilities on a schedular basis but denied on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic brain injury and neurocognitive disorder with major depressive disorder, rendered him incapable of securing and following substantially gainful employment from February 22, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. A new VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric conditions, including PTSD with mood disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia, are rated at 100 percent effective from the date of the award of service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and persistent depressive disorder, is granted as service-connected. The bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are denied due to lack of current evidence meeting VA criteria for a disability. TMJ dysfunction is granted as service-connected.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding service connection for various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tension headaches and TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities have been granted. The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a combined disability evaluation of 80 percent, which qualifies him for TDIU.

The Court reversed the Board's decision, finding that there was clear and unmistakable error in the November 2016 rating decision which did not grant a TDIU solely due to service-connected depression. The Board has now granted this claim.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 50 percent effective August 30, 2017. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for MDD has been granted, with an effective date of August 29, 2018.,Service connection for HTN has been established due to herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities other than PTSD, right and left foot disabilities, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica. The appeals are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, back condition, and left knee condition are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for disc desiccation/protrusion as it was granted in a March 2022 rating decision. The right foot disability and acquired psychiatric disability claims are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, hypothyroidism, and Addison's disease due to conflicting reports of stressors and unclear medical records.

The appeal with respect to the Veteran's prostate disability is dismissed. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted, but the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for an addendum opinion. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD, are being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right hand condition, a low back condition, and a right leg condition due to failure of VA to provide proper notice and examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed. The Board also remanded the cases regarding his right knee, left knee, lumbar strain, and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further adjudication due to issues related to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including a retrospective opinion regarding the August 2003 hospitalization diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder.