Depression decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for unspecified depressive disorder associated with sleep apnea was denied, as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hypertension was also denied, as his blood pressure readings did not consistently reach the required levels to warrant such a rating.

The Veteran's depressive disorder NOS has been rated at 70 percent since May 1, 2020. The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating due to lack of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's effective dates for the awards of a 70 percent rating for unspecified depressive disorder, TDIU rating, and SMC based on housebound status are all granted as of June 11, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent since July 23, 2019. The effective date for this rating is granted as of that date.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is denied as the earliest effective date that can be assigned is June 3, 2021.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and major depressive disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected traumatic brain injury. His erectile dysfunction is also granted due to in-service urethritis. The Veteran is awarded SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ due to ED. The peripheral vestibular disorder remains at 30 percent, while the migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and a need for VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric condition, including depression. The Veteran contends his current conditions are related to service exposure and self-medication with alcohol and drugs.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 70 percent for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) for the entire period on appeal. The appellant's MDD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. A TDIU prior to May 2, 2016, was denied.

The Veteran's claim for a 100 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder is granted, effective from February 15, 2018. The Board finds that the severity of the Veteran's MDD most closely approximates the criteria for a 100 percent disability evaluation since this date.

The Board has granted service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder, finding it is proximately due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for simple phobia vehophobia was denied due to lack of current diagnosis. The appeal regarding an increased rating for PTSD remains pending, as does the TDIU issue.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder is remanded due to incomplete VA examination and the need for a new retrospective opinion.

Service connection for depression, a psychiatric disorder manifested by nightmares/sleep condition, and right hip disability is denied.,The Veteran's asthma claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic features was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that his condition arose during or was related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for major depression and anxiety disorder as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions in the Veteran's records.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in duty to assist and inadequate medical opinion. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is being reviewed for service connection.

Your claims of service connection for depression and headaches have been dismissed as you have already received a favorable decision on these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of major depressive disorder was reopened and granted effective October 23, 1997.