Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD were rated at 30 percent prior to December 16, 2009. Effective from December 16, 2009, the rating was increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease (CAD), prostate cancer, and a psychiatric disorder secondary to prostate cancer are granted. The claim of service connection for depression is remanded due to procedural errors.

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder have been granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the June 2021 agency decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically failing to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the cause of death. The appellant asserts service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Tension headaches are currently rated as noncompensable (0 percent), and do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted a 100% disability rating for the Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder, finding that his symptoms cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for depressive disorder with anxiety and stimulant and alcohol disorder, rated as 30 percent disabling for the rating period prior to August 2, 2019, was denied. The AOJ is directed to readjudicate this issue.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder was denied.,An effective date of January 24, 2020, was granted for the grant of individual unemployability.,An earlier effective date of January 24, 2020, was also granted for eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, should be remanded due to inadequate examination reports and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person for the period from September 28, 2021 onward. However, there is no evidence that his service-connected disabilities alone result in the need for aid and attendance prior to this date.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 22, 2019 for SMC based on aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The evidence shows that the Veteran requires assistance in performing activities of daily living and is unable to protect himself from hazards due to his PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, which was caused by his service-connected mental disabilities. As a result, the appellant's claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is moot and dismissed.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA from January 1, 2012, to September 10, 2019 are granted due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for depressive disorder is denied. The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and for an additional psychiatric examination.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of PTSD and MDD due to new evidence. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are found to be related to his military service, including his MOS in mortuary services.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD. The matter is being returned for further development.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings for major depressive disorder, right shoulder impingement, and left shoulder impingement. The appeal regarding an earlier effective date for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was also dismissed.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease (CAD) and prostate cancer are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The claim for depression secondary to prostate cancer is remanded as there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for an increased rating of PTSD, and the Board has dismissed this issue.