Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the increased rating of anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder was granted.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder was also granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is now rated at 70 percent since March 15, 2023. Prior to that date, the rating was 50 percent.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and gastrointestinal disorder (GERD and gastric erosions) are granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of sinusitis. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder and depression), fibromyalgia, benign thyroid nodule removal with residual scar, GERD, hypertension, and hysterectomy have all been denied.,Effective dates earlier than August 29, 2002, for the grant of service connection for these conditions are not granted.

The Veteran's claims for depression and anxiety were dismissed as the appeal was opted into the AMA, which means they are no longer under consideration.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to incomplete information provided by the Veteran regarding his employment status and income. The AOJ must request additional tax returns from 2017 to present, complete a VA Form 21-8940, and provide an SSOC.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected other specified depressive disorder is remanded due to the need for new VA examination and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his depressive disorder is granted, but the service connection claim for his lower back condition remains pending and remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD caused total occupational impairment but not total social impairment prior to December 11, 2023. Therefore, a rating greater than 70 percent is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and GAD resulted in total occupational and social impairment from January 26, 2016 to December 9, 2021, warranting a 100% rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, specifically addressing his SI joint and iliac crest deformity. The case will also include an addendum opinion from a clinician regarding whether he requires aid and attendance due to these conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent from September 27, 2011, through August 30, 2020.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for persistent depressive disorder due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's spinal stenosis is currently rated at 20 percent and the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not compensable and the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a compensable rating is warranted.,The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of obstructive sleep apnea or a sleep disorder, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if service connection is warranted.,The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of a neck nerve disorder and the Board has remanded for further development to determine if service connection is warranted.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus and PTSD, MDD, and insomnia disorder.,Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal of several issues, including service connection for right ear hearing loss and increased ratings for various disabilities, is inextricably intertwined with the need to obtain additional evidence. The appeals are therefore being remanded to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and traumatic brain injury is rated at 100 percent effective November 2, 2016. Effective May 5, 2021, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU and SMC based on housebound status from August 19, 2019 due to his service-connected anxiety with depression associated with degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, are related to his military service. Additionally, the TMJ dysfunction is being evaluated as secondary to the diagnosed psychiatric disorder.