Depression decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for depressive disorder was denied. The VA found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they were consistent with a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the rating for major depressive disorder and the effective date of service connection for this condition prior to May 25, 2011. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service and the gap between discharge and diagnosis is too large to establish continuity.,Tinnitus is granted as it is related to military noise exposure, despite the examiner's opinion that his MOS had a low probability for hazardous noise exposure.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if it is service-connected.,The right wrist condition is remanded due to lack of in-service diagnosis and treatment, despite the Veteran's reports of injury during service.,The respiratory condition is remanded as there was no diagnosed respiratory condition at the time of examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD is dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's cause of death was found to be related to his service-connected major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse, and the Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's earlier effective date for the 70 percent rating assigned for major depression with generalized anxiety disorder is granted.,The Veteran's claim of a schedular rating in excess of 70 percent for his service-connected conditions is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted based on the PACT Act presumption of service connection. High cholesterol, tremors, a skin disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are all remanded for further examination and opinion. The Veteran's nightmares/fear of falling claim remains pending.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a depressive disorder is granted. The appeal is allowed to that extent only, and the claims of entitlement to service connection for depressive disorder and hemiparesis are remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder), asthma, and unspecified heart disorder are all granted as they are presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, and PTSD. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with depressive disorder and prostate cancer have been granted increased ratings, effective November 8, 2023. The Veteran also received earlier effective dates for service connection of hypertension and Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The Veteran's service connection for persistent depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is granted. The claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective January 28, 2019. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate prior to July 19, 2021 was denied as he did not have a single service-connected disability rated at 100% or a TDIU due solely to a single disability and additional service-connected disability ratable at 60%, separate and distinct from the 100% service-connected disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of bile duct cancer, anxiety, and depression due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, which includes major depressive disorder severe with psychotic features and anxious distress (psychiatric disorder), is rated at 70 percent effective March 15, 2018. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due solely to the service-connected psychiatric disorder is also granted effective March 15, 2018.

The Board has denied service connection for right big toe injury, but has remanded the issues of service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome with glenohumeral joint dislocation, lower back injury/strain, and right ankle injury/strain. Service connection is also remanded for anxiety with depression and insomnia.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since June 6, 2022. The earlier periods are rated at 50 percent.,The Veteran's vertigo is rated at 30 percent.

Service connection is granted for sinusitis as secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis. Service connection is denied for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss, with no compensable rating assigned. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fatigue, headaches, acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and depression), dizziness, and a back condition due to procedural issues and the need for further development.