Depression decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left ear disabilities, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and depression have been granted a 70 percent rating for the entire appeal period, with occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, an inability to establish effective relationships, and impaired impulse control.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities have prevented her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since September 23, 2015.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and depressive disorder have been granted service connection.,Service connection for PTSD has been denied, as the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-5 criteria. The Veteran's current symptoms do not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD and AUD has been rated at 50 percent since April 23, 2020. The appeal for an increased rating is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on the current symptoms.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety, and depression is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, higher ratings for residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and TDIU due to duty to assist errors. A new opinion is needed from a neuropsychologist regarding the likely etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headaches and depression (now also claimed as anxiety and insomnia) due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between these conditions and military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder with depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms manifested to a compensable degree within one year of his discharge from active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service personnel records and a need for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the appellant's mental state at the time of his misconduct.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his psychiatric disorders was denied, and he was granted a TDIU based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for evaluation of mood disorder (also claimed as depression & anxiety) has been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for unspecified neurocognitive disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder due to inadequate medical opinion in the April 2021 VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for major depressive disorder and back condition, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected depressive disorder with panic disorder is remanded. The appeal for the award of service connection for depressive disorder with panic disorder is denied.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with major depression caused total occupational and social impairment from June 22, 2016 to April 22, 2021. Effective June 22, 2016, the Veteran is granted a 100% disability rating for his service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted, while the claims for an increased rating and TDIU are denied.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection for depression and unspecified anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's low back disorder, PDD, bilateral hip and knee disorders are all granted. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.