Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, which grants a higher evaluation than the previous 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service connection due to noise exposure during service.,Service connection for PTSD and depression is denied because the Veteran does not have a diagnosed condition.

The Veteran's MDD is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that his symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to provide an examination and obtain opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The examiner is requested to address whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, and his obstructive sleep apnea. The examiner is required to address whether obesity, which may be an intermediary factor, was a substantial factor in causing or aggravating the Veteran's OSA.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, diagnosed as bipolar disorder and mixed anxiety and depressive disorder, was granted service connection on the basis that it manifested during active duty.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD and depression, as the claim was not filed within one year after the July 2020 denial.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since January 30, 2020. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for shoulder and hip arthritis.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The claims for depression, ADHD, and mild neurocognitive disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right and left knee conditions, and back condition due to outstanding private medical records and the need for VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was rated at 50% from July 1, 2010, through September 1, 2011. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's hypertension is not service connected.,Obstructive sleep apnea, right forearm supination and pronation impairment, right forearm limitation of extension, and right forearm compartment syndrome with crush injury with fasciotomy are all granted as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran seeks a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability prior to April 6, 2010. The Board has determined that the evidence is incomplete and requires additional development regarding her employment history.

The Veteran's increase in disability of his major depressive disorder was factually ascertainable on May 20, 2021, the date he submitted a personal statement about his symptoms. Therefore, an effective date of May 20, 2021 for a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorder, chronic knee strain, residuals of left knee injury, tinnitus, and allergic rhinitis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's MDD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The evidence shows occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, but no total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder was granted, effective from December 15, 2021. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is July 7, 2021.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and higher ratings for his depressive disorder and lung disability have been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back, hip, and knee conditions, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to mobility issues that prevent him from performing daily activities independently. The Board has determined that the evidence supports granting SMC based on this need.