Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has granted a higher initial rating of 50 percent effective October 5, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, is granted due to new evidence received since the last decision.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for depressive disorder and PTSD due to a duty to assist error in failing to obtain an adequate examination. The Veteran's pre-existing mental health issues are presumed, but his military service may have aggravated them.

The Veteran's back disability rating was restored from 20% to 40%, effective October 1, 2020.,The Veteran's mental disability rating was restored from 30% to 50%, effective January 1, 2020.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to July 28, 2020 is granted based on her service-connected disabilities including narcolepsy, fibromyalgia, and persistent depressive disorder.

The appeal to reduce the Veteran's PTSD, unspecified major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder rating from 70% to 30% was dismissed because the reduction did not occur in the September 2020 decision. The Veteran will not be prejudiced by this dismissal.

The Veteran's request for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right arm tendinitis was denied. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for depression, anxiety, a back condition, and a left knee condition.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 30 percent prior to May 26, 2020 and increased to 70 percent beginning from that date.,The Veteran's employment was considered in determining TDIU eligibility.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings and TDIU, effective upon the Board's receipt of their requests. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's initial ratings for psychiatric disability were denied, and the case was remanded to consider service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete development of the Veteran's personnel file. The claims will be reviewed again with additional evidence and a new opinion from an examiner.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his unspecified depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of the disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions and additional development is needed, including obtaining VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for further examination regarding the Veteran's major depressive disorder, occupational functioning, and schizoaffective disorder diagnosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability, including depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD with sleep disorder and memory loss. The evidence did not support a finding of any current psychiatric disability at any time during or approximate to the pendency of his claim.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is granted as service connected due to in-service stressors.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. However, these claims are still pending as a remand is required to obtain additional evidence and provide a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an updated opinion regarding the relationship between his current psychiatric conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected TBI and related conditions due to inadequate examination reports. The claims are being returned for further development.