Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder with TBI and headaches have been granted effective from June 1, 2010. A 70 percent rating has been assigned for depressive disorder since August 13, 2020, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has also been granted.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal. The Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claims at this time.

The Board has found that the Veteran requires personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on need for supervision, protection, or instruction due to diagnosed conditions. However, additional development is needed to determine eligibility for PCAFC benefits under 38 CFR §71.20(a).

The Veteran's TDIU rating and associated benefits were granted based on a supplemental claim filed in June 2021, which resulted in the January 2022 rating decision.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to duty-to-assist errors, and will need a new examination to determine if the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and will consider service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. A new opinion is needed regarding whether the unspecified anxiety disorder is due to active service or any incident therein.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including other trauma and stressor related disorder, adjustment-like disorder, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder. The decision is based on evidence showing a link between these conditions and an in-service event.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent, without considering the period from January 30, 2019 through March 31, 2019 when he was rated 100 percent temporarily due to VA PTSD residential rehabilitation treatment program.

The Board dismissed the service connection claims for depression, anxiety, right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, kidney condition, osteoarthritis, and right knee condition due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these issues during his hearing. The claim for hypertension was granted with a PACT Act presumption.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to October 1, 2019 for the 100 percent evaluation of his psychiatric disability (PTSD and MDD) is dismissed as it was not filed within one year of notification.

The Veteran's service connection for major depressive disorder was granted with a rating of 70 percent effective February 8, 2021. However, the Appellant is not eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits as he reached his 26th birthday before the effective date of the service connection.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD, to include schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder, is rated at 100 percent prior to December 21, 2012. From December 21, 2012, the rating is 70 percent. The Veteran also received a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 100% prior to June 23, 2021. SMC based on housebound status is granted due to the combination of his 100% service-connected unspecified depressive disorder and other disabilities rated at least 60%. TDIU is dismissed as moot with the grant of a 100% disability rating for unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the period beginning on September 1, 2020. The claim for a TDIU prior to September 1, 2020 was dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms. The evidence does not support a higher rating as he does not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's MDD with PTSD and alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent disabling, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back condition and major depressive disorder (MDD) with panic disorder as secondary to the Veteran's lower back condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, currently characterized as unspecified depressive disorder. The AOJ is required to make attempts to obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment records and military personnel records, including separation examination and any other records related to his discharge from active service. Additionally, VA must provide a medical opinion based on all available evidence that addresses whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury or disease.