Depression decisions — 2024

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to a bad conduct discharge, finding that his misconduct was willful and persistent. The appeal is dismissed as he cannot establish status as a veteran.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder with persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress, with pure dysthymic syndrome, mild was denied. However, the Board granted an earlier effective date of May 31, 2019, for the 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress is not warranted, and this decision is being remanded to allow the AOJ to address whether new evidence supports a request for such.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for depressive disorder with anxious distress, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and tinnitus have all been granted. The conditions are deemed to have onset during service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, finding no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's ambulance transport to a psychiatric facility for involuntary care due to suicidal ideation and psychosis is covered by VA, as the treatment was part of authorized emergency care.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is granted as secondary to her service-connected bilateral shoulder disabilities. The Board has also remanded the claims for residuals of a stroke and entitlement to TDIU due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder and stimulant disorder in remission leave him needing regular aid and attendance due to his memory impairment, making him eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, insomnia, and alcohol use disorder is rated at 100 percent for the entire appeal period. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disability is moot as the Veteran now has a 100 percent schedular rating.

The Veteran's MDD has been granted a 70 percent evaluation, but his left elbow disability and TDIU issues have been remanded for further examination and development.

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the housebound rate is granted effective November 15, 2018. The evidence supports finding that he was substantially confined to his dwelling and immediate premises due to service-connected psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder without psychotic features, with anxious distress, is rated at 70 percent since July 30, 2014.,With reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran, she is granted a TDIU due to service-connected major depressive disorder without psychotic features, with anxious distress, effective from August 15, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The Board finds the November 2019 VA examination is incomplete, particularly regarding the Veteran's major depressive disorder and hallucinations.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are both granted as service-connected, with the MDD being secondary to her already established PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, is granted. The appeal to reopen the PTSD claim is dismissed as moot since all symptoms are already covered under the grant of service connection for depression.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and agoraphobia with panic disorder, is related to his deployment to Southwest Asia during the Gulf War. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cervical spine, depression, and lumbar spine conditions secondary to left heel or achilles tendon condition due to an error in satisfying a regulatory duty with regard to these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.