Depression decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that there is sufficient evidence to link these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, as well as secondary service connection for substance use disorders, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus type II. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his bilateral hearing loss, and therefore service connection for this condition is granted. The Board also finds that hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea are likely caused by or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent, but no higher, for the period prior to March 6, 2018. For the period from March 6, 2018, a 100 percent rating is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acrophobia, anxiety, major depressive disorder, and erectile dysfunction with hypogonadism are remanded due to the need for medical examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The claim to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for schizophrenia (now also claimed as manic depression, bi-polar instability, boredom, and inability to concentrate and follow instructions) is granted. Service connection for schizophrenia (now also claimed as manic depression, bi-polar instability, boredom, and inability to concentrate and follow instructions) is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of September 11, 2018. Prior to this date, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent from June 27, 2014. The Board also granted entitlement to a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD and depressive disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder are related to in-service stressors.,The Veteran's alcohol use disorder is secondary to his service-connected PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. His pancreatitis is also secondary to his alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's cause of death was a subdural hematoma due to alcohol intoxication. The Board finds that remand is necessary for a VA medical opinion regarding the likely etiology of his psychiatric disorders and whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded several issues related to service connection.

The Board has remanded the claim for additional development to verify in-service stressors and obtain updated VA treatment records. A VA psychiatric examination will be scheduled to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), was granted. The previous denial of PTSD was overturned due to new evidence showing that the current MDD is related to service.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is presumed to be related to his service in the Persian Gulf, and he was granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD and MDD. The Board found that the Veteran's in-service stressors were corroborated and linked to his current conditions.

The Veteran's major depression is granted an initial 70 percent disability rating, effective from August 17, 2011. Additionally, entitlement to TDIU and SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114 (s) are also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened and granted for a psychiatric disorder. Service connection is also granted for a skin disability.,CFS, bilateral shoulder/wrist/elbow/hand disabilities, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete information regarding in-service stressors and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date and increased rating for his unspecified depressive disorder was denied. The claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding several conditions, including radiculopathy and anxiety disorders. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and TDIU claims due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was found not related to his military service, and his persistent depressive disorder did not cause or aggravate his sleep apnea.