Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate effective March 12, 2022. The decision is based on his service-connected depression and tinnitus, which together meet the criteria for SMC.

The Board has dismissed all the issues related to service connection and increased disability ratings due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and a Right Ankle condition have been readjudicated. The claim for MDD has been granted, but the claim for a right ankle condition is being remanded due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder prior to January 22, 2022, and a rating in excess of 30 percent for right inguinal hernia from November 20, 2020, is denied. The Veteran was previously granted a total disability evaluation effective January 22, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to June 14, 2023.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition as it was granted by a previous decision. The claims for service connection for a skin rash, headaches, and chemical dependency are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive and alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from November 28, 2016.

The Veteran's appeals for an effective date prior to January 5, 2022, and a rating in excess of 70 percent for his depressive disorder with anxious distress due to chronic pain syndrome have been dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder prior to November 26, 2023 has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantial gainful employment, leading to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100% throughout the appeal period, and she is granted an increased disability rating. However, her claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected major depressive disorder is dismissed as moot.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected deviated septum. The Veteran's major depressive disorder was not found to be related to his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's initial rating for patellofemoral syndrome claimed as left knee pain is denied, with a final evaluation of 10 percent effective January 26, 2019.,The Veteran's initial rating for depression is denied, with a final evaluation of 30 percent effective January 26, 2019. The appeal regarding service connection for right supraclavicular nerve impingement, chest pain, headaches, and dizziness/vertigo is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) alone is sufficient to support a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), and the Veteran's other service-connected disabilities are ratable at least 60 percent combined, from February 25, 2020. Additionally, the Veteran is granted Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on a single service-connected disability rated as total.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that no CUE was established in a previous rating decision. The earliest allowable effective date is October 21, 2020.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as service connected, but his left lower leg, right hip, and right ankle disabilities are denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar and depressive disorders, finding that there is at least a reasonable doubt in favor of his claims based on competent evidence provided by the Veteran during his hearing.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected mental health disabilities. The issue of SMC at the housebound rate is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder is productive of occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.