Depression decisions — 2024

The reduction of the Veteran's PTSD rating from 100% to 70% was improper, and his rating is restored to 100%. From July 1, 2022, he is also entitled to SMC at the housebound rate.,The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and TBI has been rated as 100%, but additional service-connected disabilities are independently ratable at least 60% from July 1, 2022.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service stressor involving a SCUD missile attack during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. Additional development is needed, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is in need of personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months due to his medical conditions and needs supervision, protection, and instruction. The PCAFC eligibility decision must be reconsidered based on the best interest of the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for obtaining additional VA treatment records and addressing issues related to PTSD and TDIU prior to March 14, 2019.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, has been rated at 70 percent since September 28, 2018. Effective that date, the Veteran is granted an increased rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Board has determined that the AOJ made errors in not considering whether the Veteran's depression/mental problems may have been related to service, and has also failed to consider if the Veteran participated in river boat patrols while serving in Vietnam. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's bladder cancer residuals are granted a 60 percent evaluation, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The claims of entitlement to SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance, SMC based on housebound status, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically major depressive disorder, headaches, and tinnitus. The Board has granted this claim as it finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service documentation and a need for verification of the Veteran's periods of active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty for training with both the Minnesota Army National Guard and the Florida Army National Guard.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD due to inadequate examination and duty to assist errors, as well as a determination that the presumption of soundness does not apply. The case will be adjudicated on a direct basis.

The Veteran's service-connected ulcerative colitis and other specified depressive disorder have been found to meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU since June 11, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed as moot because the AOJ has already granted service connection for a related condition (Persistent Depressive Disorder with anxious distress and panic disorder) on a secondary basis.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for depression and anxiety as they were not properly appealed within the required timeframes.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and pedophilic disorder, is rated at 100 percent due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) was denied, and the Board has remanded this issue.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder with anxious stress, other specified trauma and stressor related disorder and alcohol use disorder, and cervical strain were also remanded due to procedural errors.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for PTSD and MDD from 100% to 70%, effective September 30, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, hypothyroidism, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) due to insufficient medical evidence on file.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and related conditions such as depression and drug abuse. The decision is based on the occurrence of a recognized stressor during service.

The Board has granted service connection for major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's psychiatric disability had its onset in service.