Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's mechanical low back strain and right shoulder arthralgia are not rated higher than the current 10 percent levels.,The initial ratings for right and left shin splints have been granted at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with MDD was granted in August 2022, and the effective date is set at June 2, 2022.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The VA is required to provide a new examination in both cases.

The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is dismissed as a free-standing claim.,The appeal seeking to revise or reverse the November 4, 2009 rating decision that denied service connection for depression and anxiety reaction is remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress and panic disorder is granted as service-connected, effective November 6, 2023. The issue of treatment purposes only for this condition has been dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to determine if his chronic lumbar strain has the functional equivalent of ankylosis at any point during the appeal period, including during flare-ups. The Veteran's gambling disorder with depressive disorder continues to be rated as 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, insomnia, and PTSD is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent disability rating was dismissed due to the appeal being improperly docketed.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of major depressive disorder as secondary to chronic fatigue syndrome is denied. However, the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) is granted and set at October 2, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation higher than 50 percent for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood associated with ulcerative colitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for headaches was denied. The claims for service connection for depression with sleep disorder, dizziness, right lower extremity shin splint, and PTSD were all granted.

The Board has dismissed all the Veteran's claims as his death occurred during the pendency of these appeals.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they were consistent with a 70% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for alcohol use disorder, a temporary total evaluation based on hospital treatment in excess of 21 days, and TDIU due to his service-connected psychiatric disabilities. These issues are intertwined and require further development.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with anxious stress disability is not manifested by total social impairment, and the Board finds that a rating in excess of 70 percent is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with MDD was granted in August 2022, and the effective date is set at June 2, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and bilateral knee conditions, have rendered her in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance after considering all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder, depression, and PTSD have been granted. The ratings for his back and right elbow disabilities have also been restored. However, the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, PTSD, asthma, left knee disability, and impairment of supination and pronation of the right elbow remain pending and need further evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including anxiety condition, depression, insomnia, sleep disturbances (acquired psychiatric disorder), chronic fatigue syndrome, bilateral elbow condition, ED, bilateral foot condition, bilateral hearing loss, and migraine headaches. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychological condition, including anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, as these conditions are found to have been incurred in service.