Depression decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error and obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's migraines and major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder were granted service connection, but an initial rating greater than 30 percent for migraines was denied. A compensable rating (greater than zero percent) for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder due to chronic pain syndrome with major depressive-like episode, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected left wrist and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection for other specified depressive disorder with associated anxiety and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted, with effective dates set at February 1, 1995.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder with Alcohol Use Disorder is granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent, effective from August 22, 2019.

The Board has found that the March 2021 rating decision, which denied a higher rating for PTSD, had a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's claim is being remanded for further development and an adequate examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for PTSD with MDD prior to January 17, 2020 and from January 17, 2020. The evidence did not show that his symptoms warranted a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to January 17, 2020 or in excess of 50 percent since then.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to confirm his presence in Vietnam or within 12 nautical miles of it during his overseas service, and then determine if he was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The special monthly compensation claim is also being remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal due to his withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Board has found a duty to assist error due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including as secondary to service-connected tinnitus. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeals for service connection of anxiety condition and major depression. The Board dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to trauma in service.

The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent from May 23, 2018. The rating was granted but not in excess of the maximum allowed under the criteria.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including delusional disorder with paranoia, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder due to a failure to obtain a VA examination.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional evidence, including missing service treatment records and an inadequate medical opinion regarding a VA colonoscopy. The Veteran's right knee condition, low back problem, seizure disorder, depression (claimed as PTSD), sleep apnea, myositis, and narcolepsy are all under review.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, is rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal. The effective date of this rating decision is June 22, 2018. The Veteran also received a grant of TDIU.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected depressive disorder. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and recurrent major depression and anxiety, is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The AOJ must provide adequate reasons and bases for its decision.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of depression or CAD, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The issue of service connection for CAD due to toxic exposure is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted a 10% rating effective May 4, 2020. The Veteran's disfiguring scars of ears due to residuals of keloid removal and painful scars of ears due to residuals of keloid removal are both granted a 10% rating effective May 4, 2020. The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted a TDIU from June 1, 2020.