Depression decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the severance of a temporary total rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder based on hospitalization from April 6 to May 1, 2016, was not proper. The Veteran's treatment during this period qualified as hospital treatment in excess of 21 days.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD, which was granted on September 28, 2011. The Board has determined that this claim should be resolved in favor of the Veteran and grants the requested effective date.,Two other claims related to TDIU and DEA benefits are also remanded due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Major Depression render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, qualifying for TDIU.,An effective date of February 27, 2017, is granted for the award of service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as his VA Form 9 was not received within a year of the June 2018 rating decision or within 60 days of the April 2020 SOC.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed military sexual trauma and personal assaults, which are necessary for service connection. The VA will attempt to verify these events and consider them in a future decision.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The right ankle disability was not rated higher than 10 percent, while the specified depressive disorder was not rated higher than 50 percent.

The Veteran's anemia, erectile dysfunction, tachycardia, thrombocytopenia, L5 radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and lumbar strain and degenerative disc disease are all found to be caused by his service-connected acute myeloid leukemia (AML).,The Veteran's fatigue is not considered a separate disability from his AML-related conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, or a mood disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to July 27, 2012, is granted with an effective date of February 29, 2012.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to service, with the presumption of soundness applying.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and drug and alcohol disorder are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The claim for a temporary 100 percent evaluation under § 4.29 is also being remanded as it is intertwined with the other issues.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for PTSD, service connection for depression, and individual unemployability have all been denied. The Board found that the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent, and his depression is not related to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a 100% rating for PTSD with MDD, as well as his entitlement to DEA benefits and TDIU, is granted effective December 14, 2009.

The Board has denied service connection for OSA and granted a 70 percent initial rating for unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder. The decision found that the Veteran did not have OSA at the time of the December 2019 rating decision, but her psychiatric disability caused deficiencies in most areas of her life.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder), and sleep apnea due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent prior to March 7, 2018 for PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied. The effective date for the TDIU and DEA benefits were also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion and further review is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for other specified depressive disorder is denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depression Disorder is rated at 100 percent effective November 22, 2016. This rating is granted due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his ability to work.