Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of May 10, 2021 for a 70 percent evaluation for service-connected Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), finding that the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximated those required for a 70 percent rating as of this date.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring an examination to determine if the Veteran's depression and anxiety are secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to a lack of evidence showing the condition was incurred in or aggravated by active service.,Service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, was also denied because the primary condition (diabetes) was not found to be service-connected.

The Board denied the claim for DIC based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was not sufficient evidence to link any service-connected disability to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent effective February 14, 2019. The Board has granted a higher rating from the current 50 percent to 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher disability rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder prior to August 27, 2020 is remanded due to the Board not obtaining all relevant Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The SSA records are potentially relevant as they may contain information about the Veteran's condition that could affect his disability evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including unspecified depressive disorder, headaches, left shoulder tendonitis and impingement, and tinnitus, may have prevented him from maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to July 12, 2021. The Board finds that referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder and migraines, including migraine variants, have been granted effective September 16, 2016.,An initial rating of 70 percent has been assigned for the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for major depressive disorder, neurocognitive disorder, SMC based on need for aid and attendance (A & A), right lower extremity PAD, left lower extremity PAD, and bowel incontinence were all granted effective the dates indicated. The service connection for these conditions was determined to have arisen earlier than the date of claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety. The decision is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, finding it is related to the Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability. Service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury was denied as there is no probative evidence of an in-service TBI.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted an initial 70 percent rating for the period prior to April 11, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and potential duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, paranoid type schizophrenia, and depression are being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board will consider all evidence of record in its decision.

The Veteran's PTSD was reduced from a 100% evaluation to a 70% evaluation effective November 1, 2021.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted in May 2018 and remains unchanged.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas throughout the initial rating period beginning November 19, 2020. The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD and MDD effective from that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any currently-diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran is presumed competent to report his symptoms.

The Veteran is granted TDIU for periods from May 11, 2011 to November 23, 2020 due to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to inadequate examinations and pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The cases will be returned to the RO for further action.