Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD due to inadequate examination and duty to assist errors, as well as a determination that the presumption of soundness does not apply. The case will be adjudicated on a direct basis.

The Veteran's service-connected ulcerative colitis and other specified depressive disorder have been found to meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU since June 11, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed as moot because the AOJ has already granted service connection for a related condition (Persistent Depressive Disorder with anxious distress and panic disorder) on a secondary basis.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for depression and anxiety as they were not properly appealed within the required timeframes.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and pedophilic disorder, is rated at 100 percent due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) was denied, and the Board has remanded this issue.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder with anxious stress, other specified trauma and stressor related disorder and alcohol use disorder, and cervical strain were also remanded due to procedural errors.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for PTSD and MDD from 100% to 70%, effective September 30, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, hypothyroidism, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) due to insufficient medical evidence on file.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and related conditions such as depression and drug abuse. The decision is based on the occurrence of a recognized stressor during service.

The Board has granted service connection for major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's psychiatric disability had its onset in service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including a low back disability and traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's rating for unspecified depressive disorder was reduced from 70% to 50%, effective March 2, 2022. The appeal for restoration of the 70% rating is granted.,The claim for a separate evaluation of 10% for mild traumatic brain injury due to TBI has been granted and effective October 23, 2008.

The Board has denied service connection for a right wrist condition and remanded the cases of right hip, left hip, and major depression with unspecified anxiety disorder. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence or opinions regarding his hip conditions and major depression.

The Veteran's service connection awards for fibromyalgia, epilepsy, major depressive disorder, and migraines were granted effective from September 22, 2021. The Board denied requests for earlier effective dates.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (APD), including PTSD, finding that the evidence did not show a link between the Veteran's current diagnosis and his military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, should be remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ will need to obtain the Veteran's complete military personnel file and any relevant psychiatric treatment records before making a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder and Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia have resulted in a TDIU effective December 6, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is at least as likely as not due to his service-connected adjustment disorder with major depressive disorder associated with right knee strain and/or weight gain due to inability to exercise due to chronic pain caused by his service-connected musculoskeletal conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support earlier effective dates, as there was no showing of total occupational and social impairment prior to January 14, 2021.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically unspecified depressive disorder, is found to be at least as likely as not related to his military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.