Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available. The Board also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for depressive disorder and right shoulder disability were denied as they did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's MDD with GAD symptoms most closely approximate total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent evaluation. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is moot as the Veteran now receives a 100 percent evaluation for their service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress and alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board found that his symptoms did not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment required for a 100% rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and initial ratings for left knee conditions, as well as the TDIU claim. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD and related conditions are rated at 70 percent prior to September 16, 2019, with a TDIU granted for the same period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional private treatment records from TBI C.E. related to his acquired psychiatric disability, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder with depression, and cognitive disorder not otherwise specified.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and/or depressive disorder, is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board will consider the evidence of record at the time of the June 2022 rating decision on appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression as there is no current diagnosis of depression in accordance with DSM-5, and the evidence does not support a separate diagnosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's notice of disagreement was untimely and dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's service connection for major depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, and pelvic pain is restored. The rating for lumbosacral strain remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of various service-connected conditions, except CFS, BPPV, and GERD, were denied. The effective dates for the awards of service connection are not earlier than January 26, 2016.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is restored to a 100 percent rating effective July 1, 2022. The claim for total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is moot as the Veteran has no other service-connected disabilities rated at least 40% combined with the major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for SSD with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder was granted effective January 13, 2020. However, the Board denied an earlier effective date prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder was denied in July 2020, and the effective date of his award has been fixed at July 26, 2021.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Formula for Mental Disorders. The evidence does not support a higher rating as it did not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 50 percent from April 27, 2021. The rating is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for the service-connected psychiatric disability from June 30, 2015, is denied. The appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to June 30, 2015, is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% disability rating for service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder with MDD and alcohol use disorder was denied. The Board found that the increase in her disability had not occurred before November 23, 2021.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been rated at 100% effective April 13, 2010. He also received a 30% rating for allergic rhinitis effective March 29, 2019, SMC at the housebound rate effective April 13, 2010, and TDIU effective April 13, 2010.