Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied because he did not meet the criteria of needing regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher than 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to September 14, 2020, for service connection for major depressive disorder and for service connection for combat fatigue have been denied. The Board found that the persuasive weight of the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of either condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate evaluation of the relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service-connected conditions, including unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims have been remanded due to the need for further examination or evidence in several cases. The left knee strain claim remains denied, as does all other individual conditions except for those related to service connection.

The Board dismissed the request to appeal the proposal to reduce the disability rating for the Veteran's insomnia disorder with major depressive disorder. The claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus was granted.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his MDD with psychotic features was denied prior to March 10, 2020.,After a remand and further development, the Veteran was granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective May 28, 2024.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his generalized anxiety disorder with insomnia (also claimed as depression) from November 8, 2007 to July 12, 2017 was denied. From December 1, 2017 to March 6, 2023, he received a 100 percent rating for this condition. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to August 21, 2012 is still pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete records, including private treatment records from Riverside and a doctor treating the Veteran for his kidney.

The Veteran's initial TBI rating from July 16, 2012 to April 2, 2024 is granted at a 50 percent level. Ratings higher than 70 percent since April 2, 2024 are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder with unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder was granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent from November 5, 2018, to August 20, 2020.,A TDIU claim is remanded due to the Veteran's indication that his service-connected psychiatric disability has affected his employment prior to the examination.

The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death, and no effective date adjustments are granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The claim for readjudication of the low back disability is also granted.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to lack of current diagnosis. The claim for other specified anxiety disorder is remanded as the VA examiner's opinion was insufficient.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding potential exposure to herbicides and asbestos during his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a depressive disorder as there is no medical evidence of record showing a current diagnosis of this condition.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were noted in service and continued after separation, meeting the criteria for service connection. However, his depression and anxiety disorders are not related to service.

Your claims for an increased rating for your service-connected major depressive disorder and entitlement to a TDIU have been decided, with the effective date of May 14, 2010. These issues are now dismissed as they were previously adjudicated in a final Board decision based on the same evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, as his non-service-connected brain tumor and visual impairments were the primary factors impacting his employment.