Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, PTSD, and somatic symptom disorder, is granted as service connected due to the evidence showing a link between her in-service stressors and her current mental health conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for unspecified depressive disorder is denied as her symptoms do not more closely approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress. Service connection was denied for tinnitus due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and stimulant use disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective April 30, 2014. The appeal for a higher rating was denied. A TDIU was granted effective April 30, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, which warranted a discharge for disability at the time of separation from service, qualifies him for VA home loan guaranty benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete military personnel records and a need for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction has been granted. The claims for service connection for depression and a skin condition, to include rashes and skin sensitivities, have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress was granted, effective from May 9, 2014. The decision is based on new and material evidence submitted within one year of the October 2014 rating decision.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depression is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. TDIU and DEA benefits are granted for the period April 4, 2014 to April 19, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The claims for insomnia and migraine headaches are also remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the lack of VA treatment records. The PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder issue remains under review.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, are found to be related to service. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and secondary service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders including a persistent depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 2, 2010 for the award of a 70 percent rating for depression and assigned special monthly compensation (SMC) as of that date.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for depressive disorder as there is no case or controversy within the Board's jurisdiction regarding this issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his acquired psychiatric disabilities, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to service. The Board considered post-service treatment records and found that the current mental health issues began many years after service.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for left shoulder degenerative arthritis, right shoulder degenerative arthritis, left foot degenerative arthritis, and right foot degenerative arthritis. The Board found that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and the Appellant's military service.

The claims of service connection for left hip fracture, left femur shaft fracture, left tibial plateau fracture, and left elbow fracture are dismissed as the Veteran did not properly initiate an appeal.,The claim of service connection for brain disease due to trauma (postconcussion syndrome with tinnitus, headaches, and history of ear injury) is dismissed because it was related to willful misconduct.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left above the knee amputation and major depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.