Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

An effective date of July 1, 2020 is granted for Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).,An effective date of July 1, 2020 is also granted for basic eligibility for Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) due to permanent and total service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of posttraumatic stress disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymic disorder) to include generalized anxiety disorder due to an impermissible concurrent election.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed bipolar disorder and depression, which were aggravated by his service-connected lumbar degenerative arthritis and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, contributed substantially to his cause of death via suicide. The Board granted the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been received for the Veteran's claims of a higher rating for PTSD and an earlier effective date for TDIU. The AOJ is required to readjudicate these claims on their merits.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder is granted, as the evidence supports a link between these conditions and an in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's appeal to grant service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) was not timely filed, and the request is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder was denied. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate were granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service experiences.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for major depressive disorder and traumatic brain injury, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,There is no direct evidence showing a link between the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders or traumatic brain injuries and his time in active duty.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and depressive disorder were denied, while his TDIU claim was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss or a higher rating for depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 20, 2019 for the award of service connection for Major depressive disorder and Other specified insomnia disorder. This decision is based on the Veteran's intent to file a claim for these conditions which was received on November 20, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected depression is granted with a 50% rating effective October 9, 2024. The claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and the claims for service connection for prostate condition and esophagus disorder are denied.

The Veteran's neurological effects to include dementia, depression, insomnia and dizziness are granted as service connected due to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder with persistent depressive disorder is granted. The claim for service connection of migraine headaches is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of depressive disorder and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is denied. The effective dates are set at August 10, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating of service-connected major depressive disorder is denied. The Board found the evidence did not support granting a 100 percent rating as early as August 29, 2006.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on four different conditions (PTSD, anxiety, COPD, and depression) have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate to include symptoms of anxiety and insomnia like symptoms has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent. The Veteran's residuals, right wrist fracture and surgical scar, left ankle have also received initial ratings. However, the claims for service connection for a right foot disorder and a right ankle disorder are being remanded due to new evidence.