Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, family relations, thinking, and mood. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for the condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically failing to obtain an opinion on whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder is related to service. The claim will be reconsidered with this additional information.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of her Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) was denied because she failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause. As a result, the Board found that the Veteran's claim must be denied as a matter of law.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of Major depressive disorder, TDIU, and SMC based on housebound criteria was granted in the September 2023 rating decision. The appellant is eligible to direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of November 29, 2021, for a 100 percent rating for PTSD. The Board found it not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's PTSD worsened in the one-year period prior to November 29, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and obstructive sleep apnea, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. As such, the Board has granted TDIU effective from April 5, 2019.

The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent effective July 8, 2019. The claim was reopened and service connection for MDD granted based on new evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder and other disabilities, did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations. The issues include depressive disorder, SCA with ataxia, dysarthria, left- or right-hand disabilities, dizziness, memory loss, and TDIU.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder remains at 50 percent, and his request for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the February 2020 VA examination and the Veteran's lay statements regarding why he did not seek mental health treatment in service. The examiner found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder was less likely than not incurred in, or caused by service.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence sufficient to readjudicate the claim for entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been received. The case is remanded due to a need for another VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 100% rating for major depressive disorder, SMC based on housebound status, and DEA eligibility is denied. The Board found that entitlement to these benefits arose after October 5, 2020.

The Veteran's request to readjudicate his claims for service connection for PTSD and MDD was denied because the new evidence submitted did not provide any new or relevant information.

The Veteran's claims of a higher rating for depressive disorder and service connection for PTSD are being remanded due to the failure to provide proper notice regarding an examination scheduled in April 2023.

The Board has found that the Veteran requires personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on her need for supervision, protection, or instruction due to multiple diagnosed conditions and functional limitations. The appeal is being remanded for further development to determine eligibility for PCAFC benefits.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is restored to a 70% rating.,Prior to January 11, 2023, the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability was rated at 30%. After that date, it has been rated at 70%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors, specifically regarding examinations for his PTSD, neck disorder, depression and anxiety, and bilateral plantar fasciitis.

An increased disability rating of 70 percent for depression is granted effective May 15, 2014. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for depression is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his preexisting depression did not worsen during service and was due to natural progression.