Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation of 70 percent for major depressive disorder with other specified trauma and stressor disorder is granted, effective from the date his claim was received in January 2018. His claims for service connection for PTSD, TDIU, and basic eligibility for DEA benefits are denied as moot due to the grant of service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and providing an adequate VA nexus opinion regarding whether the Veteran's IBS is secondary to his service-connected Major Depressive Disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, MDD, and GAD.

The Board has determined that the RO made errors in its duty to assist and remanded the case for further action, including obtaining mental health records from Keesler Air Force Base.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date earlier than February 26, 2022, for a 100 percent disability rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder with psychotic features and alcohol use disorder. The earliest date as of which it is ascertainable that the Veteran's condition met the criteria for a 100 percent rating was February 26, 2022.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need to consider additional medical records from his Social Security Administration (SSA). The Board cannot proceed without these records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran requested to withdraw the issue of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) at a hearing. The Board dismissed the appeal as the Veteran withdrew the issue.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date of May 16, 2008, for the award of service connection for PTSD is dismissed as a freestanding claim. The March 2009 rating decision became final due to the expiration of the appeal period and no request for CUE has been raised.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder is remanded due to procedural errors and the need for a VA examination.

The appeal for an earlier effective date for Major Depressive Disorder is dismissed. For the entire rating period, a rating of 70 percent for MDD is granted.

The Board has decided that an effective date of March 7, 2008 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD and claims for TDIU and DEA benefits are remanded due to procedural errors.

The Board has granted a claim for an earlier effective date of August 10, 2021, for the assignment of a 70% rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that there was an ascertainable increase in severity prior to this date.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed all issues related to higher evaluations for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and cannabis use disorder associated with degenerative joint and disc disease, lumbar spine, to include lumbago, as well as TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions and a need for additional information regarding stressors. The appellant's psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine condition, bilateral leg conditions, and stomach condition are all under review.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and MDD warrant SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status. The Board has determined that the claims must be remanded to correct a duty to assist error.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective November 16, 2018. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date.,The Veteran raised claims of CUE in rating decisions related to his service-connected disabilities and TDIU determination.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected status post total hysterectomy.,The decision also grants service connection for the low back disability on a direct basis.

The Board has denied the claims of service connection for anxiety, PTSD, depression, and TBI as no new and relevant evidence was received since the November 2021 rating decision.