Depression decisions — 2024

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate, effective May 19, 2021. The TDIU is due to his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder, which has resulted in an inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA needs to obtain the complete SSA medical records related to her SSA disability decision.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected PTSD, major depressive disorder, and cannabis use disorder was granted. Effective June 26, 2019.,SMC at the statutory housebound rate is also granted from June 26, 2019.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The claims for persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, left ankle condition, and hypertension are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his back disability was denied, as the evidence did not show flexion limited to at least 30 degrees or ankylosis.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (Somatic Symptoms Disorder and Depression) was granted, as it is secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder, to include loss of sleep, is rated at 50 percent and denied an increased rating. Service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected depression has been granted. Tinnitus was not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to April 19, 2012 for the grant of service connection for anxiety disorder NOS was denied. The Board also granted a disability rating of 70 percent for his anxiety disorder NOS but no higher.

The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of December 1, 2019 for his TDIU based on service-connected somatic symptom disorder.,He also received an earlier effective date of December 1, 2019 for eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under Chapter 35.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error regarding private treatment records for his service-connected mental health disorder and right ankle disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected depressive disorder, which was previously rated at 100 percent and later reduced to 50 percent, is dismissed because the issue has been pending in the Legacy Appeal System.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment starting October 30, 2021.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, is rated at the highest possible level of disability (100 percent) for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. The VA has also granted a TDIU based on unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and right shoulder strain have been granted ratings. The TDIU rating is also in place, but the increased rating for right shoulder strain remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically failing to obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities. The Veteran is presumed to have an in-service stressor and has been treated for various conditions including alcohol dependence and depression.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to service and secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected DDD of the thoracolumbar spine and depressive disorder have effective dates of March 15, 2016.,A TDIU has been granted based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is granted an increased rating to 70 percent, effective from the date of the October 2023 decision. The Veteran also receives a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The claims for service connection and compensable ratings are not before the Board.