Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for her service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, was granted. The Board also found that the Veteran is entitled to a 70 percent evaluation for this condition. However, the issue of entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities remains pending.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates related to persistent depressive disorder, lumbar spine residuals, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity femoral nerve, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity femoral nerve.,The issues for increased ratings for lumbar spine residuals, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity femoral nerve, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity femoral nerve were already adjudicated in a March 2023 Board decision and are therefore dismissed as moot.

The Veteran is competent to handle his VA pension benefits and manage his financial affairs, including the disbursement of funds.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was not received to readjudicate the previously denied claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral pes planus, depression, hypertension, hypothyroidism, insomnia, left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, lumbago, right shoulder arthritis, sickle cell anemia, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was rated at 50 percent prior to October 12, 2020. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.,Effective from October 12, 2020, the Veteran's PTSD disability warrants a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened and granted with a 50% evaluation effective November 2, 2015. The claim for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded due to the lack of evidence indicating intent to seek benefits prior to December 28, 2004.

The Veteran's increased ratings for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and TBI were granted effective June 16, 2020. The Board found no earlier effective date was warranted as the increase in disability did not occur within one year prior to the formal claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in a previous VA opinion regarding service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric conditions. The Veteran's claims are now before the Board with an opportunity to submit additional arguments.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has not been received to warrant readjudication of the claims for anxiety, cleithrophobia, and depression. The claim for service connection for heart murmur is remanded due to inadequate rationale in the VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is rated at 70 percent disabling, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The case is remanded for further consideration of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU and DEA was granted with an effective date of May 1, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran had marginal employment due to service-connected disabilities as of May 1, 2015.,An earlier effective date of May 1, 2015, for TDIU and DEA was granted based on the evidence showing marginal employment due to a service-connected mental disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as adjustment disorder with anxiety and major depressive disorder with anxious distress, is etiologically related to his active service. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran is currently service-connected for major depressive disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and degenerative arthritis of the spine.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergies, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, anxiety, and major depressive disorder, and a rash in the groin area. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claims for ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence after the issuance of a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with depressive disorder not otherwise specified was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded as it has been nearly seven years since he last underwent a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression with PTSD, foot pain (plantar fasciitis), and back condition are all granted. The claim for increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to September 23, 2020 is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right elbow, shin, hip or pelvis disabilities and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.,Service connection was also denied for low back disability.

The Veteran's MDD is granted at a rating of 70 percent prior to January 15, 2021. The appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to septoplasty with nasal blockage is remanded.