Depression decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a kidney disability due to new and relevant evidence. The Veteran's TDIU and SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status claims are also remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since November 8, 2012. The Board found that the current rating of 70 percent is appropriate given the Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of 70 percent for Major Depression Disorder (MDD) was dismissed because the appeal was improperly docketed under the AMA framework, as it had already been docketed in the legacy system and a decision on the issue was issued by the Board.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss claims are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.,The Veteran's back disorder claim is remanded for further examination and opinion due to the absence of an adequate VA examination prior to the rating decision.

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder have been granted a 70 percent initial rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) aggravates his Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The VA examiner did not provide an opinion on this matter, and thus a new examination is required.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression due to a lack of evidence of a current diagnosis under the DSM-5.,The Board has also remanded the claims for unspecified anxiety disorder and insomnia, as there are insufficient medical opinions addressing these issues.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 50 percent for chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is granted, effective from July 23, 2018. The claim for an earlier effective date of July 23, 2018, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is also granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, finding that his acquired psychiatric condition is related to military sexual trauma during service.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for unspecified depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from Tuskegee VAMC and Riverbend.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as there is no evidence of its onset in service or a link to service.,Before January 1, 2016, the Veteran's headaches were rated at 30 percent and not higher due to lack of very frequent, completely prostrating attacks. Beginning January 1, 2016, his rating was increased to 50 percent based on more severe symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's depressive and mood disorder, finding that it is proximately due to her service-connected right knee, left knee, and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremity.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder and a depressive disorder, is causally related to chronic pain resulting from service-connected disabilities such as bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome with right shoulder degenerative change; cervical degenerative joint disease with sprain residuals; bilateral thumb degenerative joint disease; bilateral ankle sprain residuals; bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis; bilateral big toe bunionectomy; and low back sprain residuals. Service connection for these psychiatric conditions is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and panic disorder, finding that his IBS was proximately due to or aggravated by these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and will schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric condition other than PTSD is related to service.

The Veteran's other specified depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 30 and 50 percent ratings.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent from June 1, 2019. He also received a grant for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities effective from the same date.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in VA's duty to assist, specifically regarding the verification of the Veteran's claimed stressors and the examination for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim will be reconsidered with additional evidence and a new examination.

The Veteran was awarded service connection for an unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, effective November 7, 2017. The Veteran's child N. is recognized as his dependent based on permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining the age of 18, with an effective date of November 7, 2017.