Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is granted at a 70 percent disability rating prior to September 4, 2019 and denied for increased ratings thereafter. The decision remains in appellate status as the issue of TDIU was previously addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been reduced from a 100 percent rating to a 70 percent rating, effective January 1, 2019. The Board found that the evidence did not show an improvement in her ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work, thus restoring the 100 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, low back disability, variously diagnosed psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depression), hypertension, and left ear hearing loss. The maximum schedular rating of 10% is assigned for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder present during the appeal period. The Veteran's service records, post-service medical records, and assertions will be reviewed for this purpose.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an effective date of August 29, 2017.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders is granted as of June 28, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable disability rating are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence. The psychiatric claim is reopened, but further examination is needed to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for major depressive disorder (MDD) was denied, and his appeal for an increased rating was also denied. The effective date of the grant of service connection for MDD remains unchanged at May 30, 2018.,The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected MDD prior to June 10, 2021, and from June 10, 2021, was denied. The effective date of the grant of service connection remains unchanged at May 30, 2018.

The appeal for service connection for anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and psychosis for the purpose of establishing eligibility to treatment under 38 U.S.C. § 1702 was dismissed as they were rendered moot by the grant of service connection for persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress in a September 2023 rating decision. The appeal for sleep apnea, right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic and femoral), and left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic and femoral) was granted with effective dates starting from January 6, 2021.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection and rating increases are inextricably intertwined due to overlapping issues, and thus remanded for further development. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to address his acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are being remanded due to errors in the initial review process, including incorrect unit designation and failure to consider all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's stomach disorder, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) are all found to be related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, due to a personal assault during military service. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible statements of a traumatic event and corroborating evidence from his fellow servicemember and sister.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder was denied. The case is remanded due to the need for updated employment information in connection with his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for major depressive disorder with cannabis use disorder and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of her psychiatric symptoms did not closely approximate total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, as secondary to his service-connected disabilities is denied. The Veteran is granted a 60 percent rating for prostate cancer. The Veteran's claim for increased rating of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft is denied. The Veteran's claim for compensable rating for residual surgical scar anterior chest is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, has been reopened due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The case is being remanded for another VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an unspecified depressive disorder, had its onset during service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, right shoulder disability, and low back disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical evaluation and consideration.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status prior to July 09, 2019 is denied as there was no evidence showing such needs existed before that date.

The Board has granted service connection for schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and depression on a direct basis as the evidence shows diagnoses of these conditions during service and credible reports of psychological symptoms.