Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are service-connected, but the Board denied an increased rating for these conditions. The right knee disability and ED claims were also denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder degenerative joint disease. The claim for readjudication of the issue of whether there is new and relevant evidence to read adjudicate the claim of entitlement to service connection for major depressive disorder was also granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder was rated at 30 percent, and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 100 percent for essential thrombocythemia/myeloproliferative disorder (thrombocythemia) is dismissed as the maximum schedular rating has been assigned.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 15, 2019, for a 100 percent rating for thrombocythemia is denied because the increase in disability preceded the claim by more than one year.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 15, 2019, for eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is denied as the criteria were not met prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence on the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD. The Veteran needs a VA examination and an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for cervical strain is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for migraine and migraine variants is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for MDD is dismissed.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of April 12, 2021. The Board finds that the combined effects of his service-connected right knee disability and PTSD with MDD prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC at the intermediate rate was granted, with two half-steps awarded due to service-connected depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran is already entitled to a full step (SMC-L) based on his need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD, MDD, insomnia, and alcohol dependency resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to May 29, 2021. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, thus a higher rating was denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board finds that relevant SSA records concerning the determination of the Veteran's Social Security disability benefits need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD to include major depressive disorder was denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service sexual assault and harassment. The decision also acknowledges other diagnoses such as MDD and alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder (claimed as depression) is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Major Depression with Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder are now rated at 100 percent effective November 26, 2019. The claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective October 31, 2008, due to his service-connected disabilities of Major Depressive Disorder, fibromyalgia, and GERD.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain was rated at 10 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors, which are necessary for a determination on service connection.

Your depression has been rated at 100% since April 7, 2010. As a result, you no longer qualify for TDIU because your other service-connected condition (right tibia) is also rated at 100%. The appeal is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's PDD is granted as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. The Veteran's PTSD and erectile dysfunction claims are denied.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of January 29, 2020 for the Veteran's 70 percent rating for PTSD. The decision finds that the increase in severity was factually ascertainable during the appeal period to include the one year look back period.