Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis of the left foot was denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability and concluded that there is not an approximate balance in the weight of the evidence.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for irritable bowel syndrome was granted, with the effective date being March 6, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and evidence. The issues of neck disability, radiculopathy in both lower extremities, diabetes mellitus secondary to weight gain, and depression are being remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to insufficient competent medical evidence. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for unspecified depressive disorder, TDIU prior to July 20, 2023, and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's psychiatric condition, including persistent depressive disorder with grief and other specified trauma stressor related disorder with alcohol use disorder, was rated at 10 percent from July 9, 2018. The effective date for a rating in excess of 10 percent is granted as of August 23, 2023.

The Veteran's appeal of her claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD, has been withdrawn by her authorized representative. As a result, the Board is dismissing the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to service-connected disability, finding that his condition does not meet the criteria as he is able to perform daily activities with assistance when needed.

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

The Board dismissed the appeals for proposed rating reductions because no adjudicative determination was made, and the Veteran later withdrew his disagreement.

Service connection for PTSD with major depression was granted, effective February 12, 2013.,Special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance was granted, effective January 24, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring a new examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes chronic generalized anxiety, depressive disorder, and poly substance dependence in full remission, was denied. The Board found that the severity of the symptoms did not more closely approximate the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with anxiety and depression was denied, but later granted in February 2022. The appellant is seeking attorney fees for this appeal, but the RO has ordered the release of the requested fees to the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hiatal hernia with Mallore-Weiss tear, and depression due to a lack of a reasonably raised claim prior to the July 2002 rating decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an unspecified depressive disorder with anxious stress, is rated at 50 percent for the period prior to March 24, 2022 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. The appeal is remanded due to issues related to limitation of flexion of the right thigh, limitation of extension of the right hip, and a right hip strain.

The Board has remanded the case due to pre-decisional errors and insufficient medical opinions, requiring further examination and consideration of the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eczema disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety and persistent depressive disorders, is granted. The skin disability issue requires further examination to determine if it is related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone did not result in unemployability during the period on appeal, as he was able to maintain marginal employment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is rated at 50 percent throughout the appeal period, granting a higher rating than previously assigned. The service connection for left ankle and hip disabilities remains remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.