Depression decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability claim should be remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. A new VA examination is required to evaluate the nature, onset, and etiology of his psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted an increased rating to 70 percent. The ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were also granted, with specific effective dates.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claims.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive and alcohol use disorder did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating prior to May 18, 2020. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for floaters and torn eye muscles has been dismissed due to the absence of a valid AMA rating decision. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and bilateral pes planus have been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of TDIU is granted, as he met the criteria for TDIU effective January 31, 2014.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for Major Depressive Disorder throughout the appeal period, finding that the Veteran's symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of April 1, 2021.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received, warranting readjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The claims are being remanded to allow for a VA examination.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD with other specified mental disorder due to chronic pain, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), anxious distress, and pure dysthymic syndrome has been granted at a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of service connection for major depression as it was granted in a previous decision.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and alcohol use disorder, prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, specifically major depressive disorder, due to a lack of adequate medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal.

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective dates for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance was denied as the evidence did not show that he met the requirements for these benefits prior to August 16, 2016.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate with anxious distress was rated at 50 percent prior to December 4, 2020. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for MDD with alcohol use disorder is granted, while his PTSD claim remains denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to obtain a VA examination and opinion, as there is evidence of a current psychiatric disorder possibly related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a mental health condition, right knee conditions, and a right foot big toe or toenail condition is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an eye condition, major depressive disorder (MDD), and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. The evidence did not meet the criteria for establishing these conditions as incurred in or aggravated by service.