Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her unspecified depressive disorder was denied as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's right ankle disability was granted service connection as secondary to her service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the issue regarding service connection for schizoaffective disorder, depressive type (historically claimed as major depressive disorder, PTSD personal trauma, schizoaffective disorder). As a result, this issue is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD to include major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and he seeks a higher rating. The Board finds that there may be outstanding VA treatment records from Chattanooga VA Clinic that have not been associated with his claims file.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings are being remanded due to incomplete records from non-VA civilian providers and the VA emergency room. The Board requests authorization for these missing records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for Major Depressive Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder have been granted due to the evidence showing these conditions were incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the lack of an examination and missing in-service mental health records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is now recharacterized as encompassing all current psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for depressive disorder, but denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection. The appeal is resolved in favor of the Veteran on both issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for an effective date prior to May 4, 2012, for service connection and a higher initial rating for other specified depressive disorder with anxious distress; an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA benefits. The appeal is also remanded to obtain outstanding private treatment records from TLS/Dr. A.B.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder disability has manifested in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating. The claim for TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection regarding traumatic brain injury and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder was denied, and the issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent disabling since May 2012, and he is already in receipt of special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s). Therefore, the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD is denied as moot.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no medical evidence showing a nexus between the condition and her military service.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis was also denied due to lack of current diagnosis. The Veteran did not have symptoms that meet the criteria for chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder and unspecified mild neurocognitive disorder are rated at a 70 percent disability rating from April 25, 2024. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is rated at 100% throughout the period on appeal, effective June 1, 2010. As a result, the issue of entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period has been dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and benign paroxysmal position vertigo, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) is being remanded due to the need for a new aid and attendance examination. The AOJ will consider all service-connected disabilities in determining if they render the Veteran helpless, requiring regular aid and attendance.