Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted a disability rating of 50 percent, effective from March 17, 2019. The condition results in reduced reliability and productivity with symptoms such as flattened affect, short-term memory problems, disturbances in mood and motivation, and difficulty establishing work and social relationships.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for further evaluation of his lumbar spine condition.,His current ratings for scars, hypertension, and lower extremity radiculopathy are all within their respective limits.

The Board has found that the submission of new and relevant evidence warrants readjudication of the Veteran's claim for unspecified depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and substance related disorder in full sustained remission. The case is now being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for parental special monthly compensation and service connection due to untimely filing of a VA Form 10182.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied as there was no prior informal or formal claim received before October 13, 2016.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to service connection, increased ratings, and effective dates for various mental health conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee osteoarthritis and major depressive disorder, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 6, 2020. The Board has granted TDIU from that date until August 30, 2021.

An effective date earlier than June 21, 2021 for the 100% rating of MDD is denied.,TDIU from September 18, 2019 to June 21, 2021 is granted. Effective DEA eligibility is also granted on this date.

The Veteran's rating for major depressive disorder was reduced from 70% to 50%, but the Board found this reduction improper and restored the original 70% rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with alcohol and gambling abuse is granted as service connected, as it was incurred during his active duty for training.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the AOJ failing to comply with prior Board directives.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disorder as part of an accrued benefits claim, as the specific claim was granted in full and no case or controversy remains.

The Veteran's somatic symptom disorder with depression is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board found that his symptoms warrant this higher rating due to occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a completed VA Form 21-8940 and any other relevant forms to adjudicate the claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to verify a claimed in-service stressor for PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with additional information provided by the VA.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal to reduce his PTSD rating from 70 percent to 50 percent was dismissed because the proposed reduction was not a final action and thus not subject to appeal.

The Board has restored service connection for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) with Major Depressive Disorder, finding that new and relevant evidence supports this decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent prior to October 10, 2014, and to an evaluation in excess of 30 percent thereafter for service-connected depressive disorder and insomnia.

The Board has granted service connection for a neurogenic bladder disability with urinary frequency and depression, both secondary to the Veteran's previously service-connected back disability.