Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating for depression to include anxiety, stress and insomnia have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis.,Right upper extremity radiculopathy and left upper extremity radiculopathy are both rated at 20 percent, as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety and PTSD, was denied. Service connection was granted for lumbar spine arthritis, cervical spine arthritis, right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy (secondary to cervical spine arthritis), right knee osteoarthritis, and left knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and MDD are found to be the cause of his death by suicide, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete VA examination and lack of recent VA treatment records. The Board finds a pre-decisional duty to assist error occurred.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include lower back disability, bilateral sciatica, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, claimed as PTSD with depression. The evidence shows that the Veteran experienced in-service stressors related to Typhoon Tip and witnessing a fellow service member kill himself, which are sufficient to establish service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no legal authority to adjudicate the merits of the claims at this time.

The appeal has been dismissed because the appellant waived his right to attorney fees from past-due benefits awarded in a December 2020 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, except for the periods when he was already receiving a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with MDD is granted based on a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, MDD, cocaine use disorder, and cannabis use disorder are granted based on a verified in-service stressor. His current diagnoses of MDD, cocaine use disorder, and cannabis use disorder are found to be proximately due to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided by VA. The Veteran's claims of service connection and increased disability ratings are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cluster headaches was denied, as he is already receiving the maximum available rating.,The Veteran's need for aid and attendance of another due to his service-connected physical and mental impairments was granted effective January 27, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 70 percent evaluation for service-connected major depressive disorder is denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date was March 10, 2015, when the Veteran initially claimed service connection for this condition. Entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other related conditions, has been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The issues of secondary service connection have also been remanded.

The Board vacated the portion of the August 15, 2023 decision denying an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to October 6, 2020, and a 70 percent rating is granted beginning from that date.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 30 percent and denied an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, COPD, and depression due to service connection issues. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's periods of active service, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA, as well as his exposure to asbestos and carbon tetrachloride during any period of service.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate your claim as you are no longer alive.