Depression Board decisions

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder and remanded claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension.

The appeal regarding the proposed reduction of the disability rating for major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder was dismissed as it was not a final decision.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board granted service connection for anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's major depressive disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a disability rating higher than 30 percent.

The Board remands the case for a new VA examination to determine the relationship between the reported loss of bladder and bowel sphincter control and the service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder was granted a disability rating of 100 percent from March 27, 2008 to August 9, 2019, and the same for his persistent depressive disorder with TBI and PTSD from August 9, 2019.

The Board remanded the Veteran's eligibility for enrollment in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers because the initial VA decision was conclusory and based on an incorrect interpretation of regulatory requirements for 'need for supervision, protection, or instruction.' A new medical opinion must be obtained that properly applies the correct statutory criteria and addresses how the Veteran's diagnoses affect daily functioning.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and dismissed the appeals related to proposed reduction of PTSD, entitlement to service connection for deviated septum, anger issues, anxiety, and depression due to procedural defects.

The Board granted an initial 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder (MDD) due to the severity of symptoms affecting occupational and social functioning.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected depressive disorder and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for additional evidentiary development.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability was granted a 100 percent rating, and special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate was also granted from March 31, 2011.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection claims and denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss due to untimely appeals.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of February 21, 2021, for the increased rating to 100 percent for major depressive disorder, bipolar I disorder, adjustment disorder with anxiety and denied special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Board remands the claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include persistent depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia, for an adequate VA examination.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for depression to correct a duty to assist error, requiring a VA medical opinion.

The Board granted an initial 70 percent evaluation for the service-connected psychiatric disability and a TDIU, but denied other claims related to earlier effective dates and burial expenses.

The Board granted an effective date prior to February 26, 2024, for a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and denied an initial compensable rating for hypothyroidism. Service connection was also granted for chronic kidney disease as secondary to service-connected hypertension.

The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for depression is dismissed due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder with unspecified depressive disorder, based on the Veteran's in-service sexual assault.