Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for her service-connected unspecified depressive disorder was denied. Her claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since March 26, 2018. An earlier effective date for the 70 percent rating has been granted from April 25, 2017.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 70 percent or higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings in excess of the assigned disability ratings for major depressive disorder, radiculopathy, and degenerative disc disease. The Board dismissed all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder has been granted. The claims for heart condition, upper and lower bowel condition, GERD, and ED have not met the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 70 percent from April 20, 2018. The appeal for a higher rating has been granted. Service connection for TBI and the issue of unemployability prior to May 26, 2021 are still pending.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 29, 1995 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's earlier claim for pension benefits included a mention of these conditions and was considered to be an informal claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, entitlement to TDIU, and SMC under U.S.C. �1114(s) due to incomplete development.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder with anxiety, effective from when it was initially rated as 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating greater than 30 percent for service-connected depression was granted, with a current rating of 50 percent.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 24, 2021, for the grant of service-connection for depression was denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, family relations, thinking, and mood. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for the condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically failing to obtain an opinion on whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder is related to service. The claim will be reconsidered with this additional information.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of her Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) was denied because she failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause. As a result, the Board found that the Veteran's claim must be denied as a matter of law.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of Major depressive disorder, TDIU, and SMC based on housebound criteria was granted in the September 2023 rating decision. The appellant is eligible to direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of November 29, 2021, for a 100 percent rating for PTSD. The Board found it not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's PTSD worsened in the one-year period prior to November 29, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and obstructive sleep apnea, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. As such, the Board has granted TDIU effective from April 5, 2019.

The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent effective July 8, 2019. The claim was reopened and service connection for MDD granted based on new evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder and other disabilities, did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations. The issues include depressive disorder, SCA with ataxia, dysarthria, left- or right-hand disabilities, dizziness, memory loss, and TDIU.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder remains at 50 percent, and his request for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied.