Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease prior to February 10, 2023 was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 60 percent. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was granted with an effective date of August 29, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claim for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including whether any pre-existing conditions were aggravated by service. The examiner must address all theories of entitlement raised by the evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating greater than 70 percent for their acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes mood disorder (also claimed as PTSD, depression, anxiety, sleep disorder, and anger), has been dismissed. The November 2020 Board decision implemented the increased rating of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The Veteran should be afforded VA examinations to determine if his claimed disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for a scar on the right upper chest is denied as it does not meet the criteria under DC 7802.,The Veteran's service-connected MDD is currently rated at 30 percent and is denied an increased rating in excess of this level.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder was rated at 70% effective September 29, 2021. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms were severe enough to warrant a 70% rating one year prior to his claim for increase.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right ankle disability and major depressive disorder due to errors in identifying the appellant's periods of active duty and Reserve service, as well as potential aggravation of her right ankle during her Reserve service. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, particularly his anxiety and depression.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including a major depressive disorder, finding that there was no evidence of such condition during or within one year after service and that it is not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from November 15, 2021, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him bedridden or in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. The case is now pending for a new opinion from an examiner.

The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for PTSD and MDD is granted, along with service connection for migraine headaches. The Veteran also receives a TDIU due to his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease and related radiculopathies, bladder incontinence, bowel incontinence, right acromioclavicular joint separation, and depressive disorder, have resulted in the need for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate since April 20, 2006.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to insufficient medical opinion regarding causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's depression is related to service and granted.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as lumbosacral strain, is related to service and granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of April 28, 2000, the day he filed his initial claim. The Board found that the military personnel records associated on January 5, 2009, provided evidence of a stressor related to in-service fear of hostile or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to her service-connected disabilities. Her bilateral pes planus is rated at 50 percent, effective April 23, 2007. The right knee limitation of flexion is granted but no higher than noncompensable. The rating for right knee osteoarthritis remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral pes planus with hind foot valgus was denied, as the current ratings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The effective date of TDIU and DEA eligibility is set at October 30, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date and a higher disability rating for his adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression was granted, but the effective date is set at February 4, 2020. The Veteran now receives a 70 percent disability rating.