Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as anxiety disorder), and a left shoulder disorder is granted. The claims of service connection for these conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, but has found that there are issues with service connection for left knee osteoarthritis without dysplasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claim is being remanded to obtain VA examinations and opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically chronic pain syndrome caused by his cervical spine, left upper extremity, and carpal tunnel syndrome conditions. The appeal for secondary service connection is granted.

The Veteran's MDD was initially rated at 70 percent effective June 24, 2019. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for MDD effective March 16, 2021.,Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits were also granted effective June 24, 2019.

The Veteran's depression is granted as service-connected on a direct basis, with the Board finding that it was directly related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of March 25, 2019, for the 100% evaluation of Major Depressive Disorder is granted. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is denied as she was not found to be unemployable due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial claim for PTSD, major depression, and alcohol use disorder was granted with a rating of 70 percent effective September 12, 2017. The left ankle LCL sprain issue remains pending.

The Veteran's TDIU and a 50% disability rating for major depressive disorder were granted effective November 1, 2017. The Board found that the earlier effective date was warranted based on the receipt of an Intent to File form prior to the actual filing of claims.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with depression is granted service connection, but his bilateral knee condition is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder. The earliest effective date is set to July 1, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle degenerative joint disease and depression do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to their combined effect, as they do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder, is granted as secondary to her service in Iraq.

The Veteran's service-connected mental health, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU from June 30, 2012 to January 5, 2016. The Board finds that the August 2012 rating decision is not final and remands for adjudication of his claim.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder, are granted as incurred in service and caused by in-service stressors.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim as his discharge from service was under conditions other than honorable due to drug use, and there is no evidence of insanity at the time of the offense. The character of his discharge constitutes a bar to VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient VA opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claim will be further evaluated with a new examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder was granted, effective January 31, 2019.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected conditions, including depressive disorder and foot disabilities, render him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is granted.,The claim for service connection for headaches secondary to rhinitis and nose surgery residuals remains pending and will be remanded.