Depression Board decisions

The veteran is granted an effective date of January 1, 2018, for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities. The veteran is also eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of PTSD and depressive disorder due to an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran will undergo a new examination.

The veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted starting from December 31, 2015. The issue of TDIU prior to this date was remanded.

The veteran's claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to major depressive disorder with anxious distress and post-concussion syndrome has been granted. The evidence was balanced, but the benefit of the doubt was given to the veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues, including failure to readjudicate the proposed severance of service connection for major neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease as an accrued benefits claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities other than her major depressive disorder, finding that the evidence did not show she was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due solely to her service-connected physical disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, GERD, IBS, right ankle condition, anxiety, and depression. It remanded decisions on tinnitus, right index finger, right thumb condition, and scars.

The veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including other specified trauma-related disorder and major depressive disorder, is granted. The decision is based on evidence showing the onset of these conditions during active service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder, right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were granted. The claim for dental disability was denied but remanded for further consideration.

The veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder was granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection for bipolar disorder is June 4, 2021.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the veteran's PTSD and related conditions, confirming September 21, 2023 as the effective date.

The veteran's claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to a left ankle sprain was granted. The OSA was found to be caused or aggravated by obesity, which in turn was caused or aggravated by the service-connected left ankle sprain.

The Board denied the veteran's request for earlier effective dates for a 70 percent rating for MDD and TDIU due to insufficient evidence supporting the severity of symptoms before the assigned dates.

The veteran's appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder and PTSD, was granted. The decision is based on evidence showing the conditions began during service.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of a dental condition, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and sleep apnea. The Board found that the veteran was not given notice of his right to a pre-decisional hearing.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder was denied, but they were granted total disability based on individual unemployability. The claim for service connection for a sleep disorder was remanded.

The veteran was granted a 30% rating for their chronic left foot injury with pes planus and plantar fasciitis from March 17, 2021 to December 6, 2021. All other issues were denied or remanded.

The Board dismissed claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae residual anterior neck scars and depressive disorder due to chronic pain syndrome with MDD-like episode as they were already granted. The claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for plantar fasciitis was withdrawn. The claim for a compensable disability rating for corneal scar of the right eye was denied. All other issues related to service connection were remanded.

The veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and foot condition have been determined to prevent her from working, so she has been granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, depressive disorder, and insomnia disorder. The VA will verify the veteran's military service periods and obtain relevant records.