Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both legs, need for aid and attendance, and housebound status are denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented natural knee action with prostheses in place or required regular aid and attendance due to her conditions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with alcohol use disorder was granted based on new and material evidence showing a link between military trauma and the current condition.

The veteran's service connection for several conditions, including leg pain, knee strain, psychiatric disorders, and TBI, was granted. The claim for TDIU was remanded.

The Board denied service connection for major depressive disorder and PTSD, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service.

The appeal for service connection of PTSD, adjustment disorder, and depression was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeal.

The Board remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The Board identified errors in the VA's duty to assist and ordered additional actions.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis was denied. The claim for TDIU prior to July 5, 2021, was also denied, but the claim for TDIU from July 5, 2021, was dismissed as moot.

The Board granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, traumatic brain injury residuals, and migraine headaches.

The veteran's effective date for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder is July 30, 2020. The Board granted the claim based on continuous pursuit and recharacterization under Clemmons v. West.

The veteran's service connection for a low back condition was granted, and a 100% rating for major depressive disorder with anxious distress was also granted. The claim for total disability based on individual unemployability was remanded.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder. The decision was based on evidence showing that these conditions were not likely caused by or related to her active military service.

The veteran's rating for depressive disorder with anxious distress was increased to 70%. The decision was based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life.

The appeal for TDIU was dismissed as moot because the veteran already received a 100% disability rating. The request for an earlier effective date for service connection of depression was denied.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or link to military service.

The reduction of the disability rating for service-connected major depressive disorder (MDD) from 70 percent to 50 percent was improper, and the 70 percent rating is restored. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for a higher rating for depressive disorder, stating that the symptoms did not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent before March 17, 2022, and 50 percent after.

The veteran's claims for a 100% rating for major depressive disorder and PTSD, TDIU, and special monthly compensation based on housebound status were granted.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder are rated at 70% from August 5, 2016, to May 11, 2022. The veteran is also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the psychiatric condition.

The veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, anxious distress, and TBI residuals was granted an effective date of December 9, 2021. The left knee meniscal tear residuals were denied an earlier effective date.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for a groin condition and scar were denied. The claim for service connection for depression was remanded.