Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the addition of new VA medical records and examinations. The case will be returned to the AOJ for review.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted a 70 percent rating prior to May 21, 2021.,A 100 percent rating for the condition is granted starting from May 21, 2021.

The Veteran's skin tissue salvage scar is not compensably rated, and his TDIU claim prior to August 8, 2023 is granted. His TDIU from August 8, 2023 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of SMC based on housebound criteria.

The Veteran's tinnitus, adjustment disorder, bilateral foot neuropathy, vestibular disorder, and erectile dysfunction are all remanded for further development due to alleged fault on the part of VA in providing care. The claims are reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claim of reopening a service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is granted, and the case is remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a 100% disability rating for PTSD with MDD and OCD was denied, while the claim for TDIU due to service-connected PTSD with MDD and OCD alone from January 2023 was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected panic disorder with MDD is denied. The effective date of the current 70 percent rating remains November 26, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of the Veteran's in-service stressor and a need for additional VA medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete verification of the Veteran's service in Iran. The Veteran is still seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder disability, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and diabetes mellitus type 2 are denied. The Board has remanded the claims of PTSD, major depressive disorder, and diabetes mellitus type 2.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a respiratory disability, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, is granted as service connected due to the evidence showing it arose during his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder of GAD and MDD, as well as left knee osteoarthritis. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injuries and continuous symptoms since separation.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for other specified trauma/stressor related disorder and depressive disorder, a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease lumbar spine prior to June 17, 2021, and in excess of 40 percent from that date, a rating in excess of 10 percent left knee strain, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inconsistencies in previous VA opinions and the need for additional medical examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder.

The Veteran's flat feet disability, including pes planus and plantar fasciitis (flat feet), is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's back disability is granted as service-connected. The examiner noted that the in-service training did not cause or aggravate her current back condition.,The Veteran's depression is granted as service-connected based on in-service incidents.,The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right arm disability (including elbow and wrist disabilities) is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's right ankle disability is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's left ankle disability is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's hepatitis disability is not established as a current condition. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of a current hepatitis disability.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression due to MST is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of depressive disorder was denied as there were no pending or unadjudicated claims prior to November 6, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, Persistent Depressive Disorder, and Anxiety Disorder).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches secondary to his cervical spine disability is granted. Other issues are remanded, and the effective date of TDIU is set prior to February 23, 2018.