Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder was denied, while the earlier effective date claim for TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's frostbite residuals, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and alcohol use disorder), and erectile dysfunction were not found to be related to service or any incident of service origin.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was granted a 70% rating effective February 28, 2023. The RO also remanded several other issues for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus was dismissed as the claim had been fully granted in a November 2023 rating decision. The appeals for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral hearing loss were remanded due to insufficient development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, finding that her current conditions are associated with her service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for TBI residuals, to include headaches and depressive disorder. The other issues on appeal have been remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues including the right knee rating, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea, and TDIU due to lack of information regarding the severity of the Veteran's conditions and potential secondary service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further review due to new evidence received by VA. The Veteran's claims of service connection and increased rating will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and schizoaffective disorder, were found to have onset in service. Service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical evidence and incomplete development of records related to her claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since November 1, 2010. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects his symptoms and does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the previous decision, including not addressing VA treatment records and SSA records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to January 17, 2014.

The Veteran's diagnosed major depressive disorder and observable symptoms associated with this depression are found to have begun during service and continued since service, establishing a causal link between his military service and his current condition. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to MST, is granted as new and material evidence has been submitted. However, the claim for PTSD itself remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for an ankle disability and a higher rating for his depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder are being remanded due to the receipt of new VA treatment records. The AOJ will review this evidence before making further determinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including gout, depressive disorder, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is related to his military service, and thus service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and MDD, but the claims for hearing loss and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The appeal regarding the compensable disability rating for impetigo is remanded.