Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and major depressive disorder is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ must obtain private treatment records from relevant providers.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by her authorized representative, and the Board is dismissing the case as a result.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 50 percent from September 29, 2011. The rating is granted but no higher.

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date and increased rating for depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder has been granted. The effective date is set at June 7, 2013, the date of his informal claim. He was assigned a noncompensable initial evaluation which was later upgraded to 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to April 27, 2021, for a 100 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder was denied as it is not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's symptoms worsened within one year prior to his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service. The Veteran is to be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her current psychiatric conditions.

The reduction in the disability rating for major depressive disorder and PTSD from 70% to 50% was improper, and the original 70% evaluation is restored. The Veteran's entitlement to a TDIU was denied due to his ability to perform sedentary work despite his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and PTSD, had onset in service and has persisted since separation. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder prior to February 12, 2021, was denied. The effective date for the award of an acquired psychiatric disorder was not established as it is pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding that new evidence supports a link between his in-service experiences and his current psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder must be remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in failing to schedule a VA examination. The examiner is requested to provide opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 31, 2005 for the award of service connection for unspecified depressive disorder is denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for unspecified depression is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including PTSD with major depressive disorder and panic disorder, resulted in total occupational and social impairment since May 30, 2012. The Board granted an effective date of May 30, 2012, for the award of a 100 percent rating for this condition and SMC based on housebound criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to a failure of the Regional Office (RO) to provide VA examinations. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and residuals of a torn right hamstring are not yet determined to be related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for heart disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's assertions regarding his conditions are considered credible, but VA must make reasonable efforts to obtain private medical records from any identified sources.

From May 9, 2022 to October 22, 2023, the Veteran's major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder was rated at 50%.,As of October 23, 2023, a higher rating in excess of 70% for his psychiatric disability is denied.

The reduction of the Veteran's PTSD with MDD disability rating from 100% to 70%, effective September 1, 2020, was proper.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed mental health disabilities, including depression and anxiety, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not incurred in service.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a compensable rating for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (claimed as insomnia, worry, and depression) due to an inadequate VA examination in the initial decision.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of January 19, 2019. The Board found the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.