Depression decisions — 2024

The Board has denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with major depressive disorder, alcohol dependence and cannabis use disorder. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for psychiatric disability (PTSD) and TDIU based on psychiatric disability are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficient to meet the eligibility criteria for nonservice-connected pension benefits, thus denying his claim.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bipolar disorder and remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence, including military personnel records, VA treatment records, and hospitalization records.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with other specified depressive disorder and alcohol abuse has been withdrawn, thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities and related in-service stressors, is being remanded due to the need for verification of his claimed stressors. Additional opinions are needed regarding the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD, Major depressive disorder, Bipolar disorder, and Dementia as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for persistent depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected skin rash, finding that there is no current diagnosis of a mental health disability.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, has been granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed, including verification of stressors and a new examination for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer under the PACT Act, but remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea due to potential lack of evidence supporting a nexus to service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated as noncompensable, and the appeal for a compensable evaluation is denied.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a total disability evaluation based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with arthritis remains at 10 percent, and the case is remanded to schedule an examination for further assessment.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was added to the record since the last decision and requires further consideration. The claims for service connection are being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's rating for unspecified depressive disorder associated with a hysterectomy was increased from 50 to 70 percent effective November 13, 2023.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to the evidence being in approximate balance regarding its onset during service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome, have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent from January 24, 2017 to August 3, 2023. Effective August 3, 2023, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on service-connected chronic fatigue syndrome alone.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder, was granted a rating of 50 percent for the period from September 1, 2016 through April 4, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The issues include PTSD, plantar fasciitis with arthritis, right knee arthritis, diastasis recti, right lower leg stress fracture, and left lower leg stress fracture.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to his in-service personality disorder and noting that the Veteran's symptoms presented decades after service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not provide probative medical opinions regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his service. The VA must obtain additional medical opinions and provide a rationale for their conclusions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. Further development is needed.