Depression decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and depression, is etiologically related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder was denied in May 2019. The Board has now granted revision of the May 2019 rating decision on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE), and has also granted an effective date of January 23, 2018.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder due to military sexual trauma (MST). The other conditions are not connected to service.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective November 12, 2013. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder were found to have started during his active service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from October 8, 2014, to November 30, 2014, and from June 20, 2015, to October 31, 2015. The rating remains unchanged for the rest of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied because she does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and her symptoms are better characterized as persistent depressive disorder.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 19, 2013 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder. The Veteran's claim was originally filed on that date and he did not receive notice of a prior denial in February 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was granted an effective date of October 20, 2021, for a 70% disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial disability rating were denied. The Veteran was granted a temporary total evaluation, an increased rating of 10 percent for left hip limitation of flexion, and a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5054 for residuals of right hip replacement from February 1, 2019. The Veteran's claims for SMC were also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, specifically whether it is related to his service-connected conditions or if it was caused by obesity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including other specified depressive disorder and PTSD, due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error. The case is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to October 21, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is granted at a 70% disability rating, effective October 29, 2010. Effective date for TDIU is also granted on the same day.

The Board has remanded the case to address service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. The Veteran's request to reopen his left shoulder disability claim is also referred to the AOJ.

The Board has granted an effective date of December 23, 2014 for service connection of Major Depressive Disorder with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The Veteran's earlier claim was reopened due to new and material evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and incomplete records, requiring further examination and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for persistent depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with substance use disorder and major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran has been granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.