Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and major depressive disorder were denied, while the appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was remanded. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher disability ratings for either condition.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for persistent depressive disorder secondary to migraines is denied as entitlement did not arise until July 30, 2018 when service connection for migraines was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric condition, to include PTSD and a depressive disorder, and sleep apnea are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional evidence and provide an adequate VA examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent, and he has additional disabilities independently ratable at or above 60 percent. The Board granted SMC at the housebound rate based on his service-connected conditions. However, the claim for SMC(k) related to erectile dysfunction caused by medication for major depressive disorder was remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is granted as service connected. The evidence shows the condition developed during active service and continues to this day.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied an increased rating and TDIU based solely on service-connected depression.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, but no higher, throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, are rated at a 70 percent disability rating effective November 18, 2019. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on these conditions but denied the claim for TDIU due solely to service-connected acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's combined rating of 90 percent based on past-due benefits granted in May 2024 is denied as the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD due to military sexual trauma. The case will be reviewed again with consideration of new evidence and a thorough examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of adequate VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The AOJ must obtain an addendum VA medical opinion to address whether OSA was caused or aggravated by his service-connected persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and anxiety disorder, is rated at 70 percent from October 10, 2012. The effective date for the TDIU has been set to October 10, 2012.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder as secondary to his service-connected Cushing's disease.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 13, 2013 for the award of service connection for PTSD, intermittent explosive disorder, and persistent depressive disorder (also claimed as depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder). The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms first manifested prior to discharge.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for persistent depressive disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current depression and his in-service MVA. The Board also found that the Veteran's self-medicating with alcohol did not cause or aggravate his depression.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for depression, a neck condition, thyroid condition, hypertension and sleeping conditions has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran's representative.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection and increased rating for various conditions, including alcohol use disorder, dementia, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia disorder, and major depressive disorder, as well as a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for adhesive pleurisy and painful scar. The decision also noted that the appellant did not meet the criteria to be considered a dependent child or have evidence showing she bore the expense of the Veteran's last illness and burial.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. The Veteran seeks service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and major depressive disorder were denied, while the appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was remanded. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher disability ratings for either condition.