Depression decisions — 2024

The Board has found that remand is needed for the Veteran's appeal regarding his service-connected major depressive disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals have been granted a 40 percent evaluation, effective April 26, 2022.,The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals seeking earlier effective dates for service connection and a rating increase, as well as compensable ratings for certain conditions. The Board dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's right foot, left foot, right ankle, left ankle, and right knee disabilities are all found to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for a major depressive disorder with secondary alcohol abuse.

The Veteran's MDD with anxious distress is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating or earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination and incomplete information regarding in-service stressors. The appellant's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and MDD, is being reviewed for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board found that they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the frequency, severity, and duration of the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder prior to July 28, 2022.

Your claims for service connection have already been granted. The Board is dismissing your appeals as moot because the benefits you sought are now in place.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is characterized by symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, impaired impulse control, and difficulties in establishing effective social relationships. The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent prior to September 22, 2022 for this condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for two lower abdominal hernias, chronic headaches, coronary artery disease (CAD), and a mental health disorder to allow for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to issues with service connection and a disability rating.,Service connection is denied for right foot condition, left foot condition, and depressive disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate reasons or bases for denying service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran's reports of in-service stressors and current symptoms are considered, but further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has denied earlier effective dates for TDIU, DEA, and SMC for housebound status. The claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded to obtain a medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability. The effective date claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the evaluation issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of a claimed stressor and inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for scars under both eyes, painful scar under left eye, and painful left inguinal scar associated with TBI have been denied.,Prior to June 3, 2021, the Veteran's headaches were not productive of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks. After June 3, 2021, his headaches did not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatitis is granted, with a current rating of 70 percent.,While the Veteran's MDD with PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 9, 2021, his appeal for an increased disability rating remains denied. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on service-connected MDD with PTSD and SMC at the housebound rate prior to October 22, 2020.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to military sexual trauma (MST) and service connection for this condition is granted. The lumbar spine disability claim is remanded.