Depression decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the case due to duty-to-assist errors, including failure to properly develop records regarding the Veteran's service personnel and stressor claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were addressed in a September 2020 rating decision, which granted the requested effective dates.,The Veteran was granted service connection for an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression associated with GERD with H. Pylori status post laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with residual bloating, flatulence, and inability to vomit, to include IBS.

The appeal for a higher rating and an earlier effective date for PTSD with depression is denied.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with posttraumatic stress disorder, and his claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board has granted readjudication of the claim for service connection for depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, with a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder alone does not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, as he has been working through temporary services and at a cell phone repair company.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic renal disease, cirrhosis of the liver with portal hypertension and hepatitis C, depression, flat feet, allergic rhinitis, and hypertension have been granted. The effective date is March 25, 2020, for all claims except for chronic renal disease, which has an effective date of March 25, 2020. A 60 percent rating is assigned for left lower extremity radiculopathy from January 30, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities because of a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran's depression and lumbar spine disorder limit his ability to work, but further medical opinion is needed to determine if these conditions alone or in combination preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with major depressive-like episodes was found to not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent, as his symptoms did not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective August 29, 2014, based on his service-connected major depressive disorder and OCD. The effective date is the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred.

The Veteran's right ankle, right knee, left knee, and bilateral hip disabilities are all found to be related to his military service.,His acquired psychiatric disorder is also found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his bilateral hearing loss and unspecified depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder have been denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC based on housebound criteria were granted, effective June 16, 2020. The appellant is eligible to attorney fees in the amount of 20% of past-due benefits awarded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for dementia and depression with insomnia (including anxiety) due to a lack of VA examination and nexus opinions. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions are likely related to her military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, did not have their onset during active service or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder with anxious distress has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial 10 rating, but no higher, for limitation of extension of the right hip has been granted.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for chronic headaches has been denied.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the reduction of his rating for unspecified depressive disorder, and as a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The appeal as to the claim of entitlement to service connection for fibromyalgia has been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the claims regarding an acquired psychiatric disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, and left knee conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea was denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a current disability.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as anxiety), depression, insomnia, and social adjustment disorder were all denied due to the lack of persuasive evidence of a current disability during or shortly before the pendency of the claim.