Depression Board decisions

The Veteran was granted a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD, DEA eligibility under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35, and special monthly compensation based on statutory housebound criteria.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 100 percent since March 14, 2013. The effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) award is set to June 18, 2010.

The Veteran's left arm burn is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or aggravation.,Sarcoidosis and respiratory conditions are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder rating was reduced from 100% to 70%, effective March 1, 2021. The reduction is being restored.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression was denied, while his TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has determined that the discontinuance of VR&E services was improper due to lack of proper notification and procedures, thus restoration of services is granted.

The Board has remanded all issues on appeal due to the need for additional verification of the Veteran's service periods and incomplete records. The claims will be reconsidered with this information.

The Veteran's appeal of his service connection claim for major depressive disorder and anxiety mood disorder was dismissed because the appeal was untimely filed.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder with anxiety and chronic/major depressive disorder, causes significant occupational and social impairment. The Board has granted a 70 percent initial disability rating for this condition.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for various conditions, including hernia surgery, anxiety, left ankle disability, depression, and a headache condition. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a TDIU, so the issue is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for depression, left knee, and right knee conditions are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. Clarification is needed on whether all attempts were made to obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment records, and an attempt must be made to obtain his prison medical records.

The Board has vacated the June 28, 2024 decision and dismissed the appeal of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to a withdrawal by the appellant.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder is currently rated at 70% for the entire appeal period, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee chondromalacia patella and remanded the claim for service connection for depressive disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and sleep apnea. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include major depressive disorder, based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected persistent depressive disorder with pure dysthymic syndrome is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error regarding non-VA care records.

The Veteran's combined evaluation for compensation has been 100 percent from February 1, 2021. The Board granted earlier effective dates of March 18, 2019, for the grants of service connection for PTSD with major depression disorder, sleep apnea, and hypertension.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's panic disorder with major depressive disorder, as the severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.