Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims of service connection for headaches, joint pain, sleep disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder and PTSD) have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for these conditions. The rating for the low back disability is at least 40 percent throughout the appeal period, while initial ratings of 10 percent are granted for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy effective from November 13, 2013. The claim for TDIU has been remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right foot disorders, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for a left knee disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus, depressive disorder associated with bilateral pes planus, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and a scar of the left foot associated with pes planus, have rendered him unemployable. The Board granted TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for unspecified depressive disorder beginning August 27, 2015. The case is being remanded due to the failure to address the Veteran's representative's request for information about the competence of the June 2016 VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Dependence has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI and depressive disorder is granted at a 100% rating beginning November 29, 2011. The claim for SMC under the Housebound Rate was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder and opioid use disorder, TBI residuals, tension headaches, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's thyroid cancer with associated hypothyroidism and depression is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 100 percent since August 1, 2016. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is moot as her service-connected disabilities do not preclude employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to complete a VA Form 21-8940, which is necessary for his TDIU claim. The AOJ must provide him with the form and assist in obtaining updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are service-connected as they are related to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and adjustment disorder, are remanded for further development and examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, and for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeal is not resolved.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder and a skin condition, characterized as acne keloidalis. Additional efforts are needed to obtain records from the Huntsville Hospital and Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent from May 16, 2018 to May 5, 2021. The appeal for a higher rating than 50 percent was denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for depressive disorder is denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea and for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and panic disorder, warrants no more than a 30 percent rating prior to December 13, 2019.,From December 13, 2019 to May 4, 2021, the Veteran's psychiatric disorder warrants a 70 percent rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, unspecified trauma disorder, and persistent depressive disorder due to a lack of credible evidence supporting the occurrence of in-service stressors. The Board found that there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since July 19, 2021. The rating is granted for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, thus SMC based on these criteria is denied.