Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected depressive disorder, which was previously rated at 100 percent and later reduced to 50 percent, is dismissed because the issue has been pending in the Legacy Appeal System.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment starting October 30, 2021.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, is rated at the highest possible level of disability (100 percent) for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. The VA has also granted a TDIU based on unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and right shoulder strain have been granted ratings. The TDIU rating is also in place, but the increased rating for right shoulder strain remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically failing to obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities. The Veteran is presumed to have an in-service stressor and has been treated for various conditions including alcohol dependence and depression.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to service and secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected DDD of the thoracolumbar spine and depressive disorder have effective dates of March 15, 2016.,A TDIU has been granted based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is granted an increased rating to 70 percent, effective from the date of the October 2023 decision. The Veteran also receives a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The claims for service connection and compensable ratings are not before the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is caused by her service-connected left and right knee conditions, leading to a grant of service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for persistent depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for such a rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The decision does not address service connection theory or exposure basis.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to a pre-decisional error involving the VA examination reports and a private DBQ.

The Board denied effective dates prior to June 16, 2021 for various service connection claims and increased ratings.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, as well as SMC due to housebound status, were denied. However, the effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits was granted on May 1, 2017.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, was found to be productive of reduced reliability and productivity prior to March 13, 2018. From March 13, 2018, the disorder caused total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is granted service connection, but the right elbow condition remains in dispute and needs further review.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for a new medical opinion to determine if it is related to his service-connected PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable, considering both mental and physical impacts.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 19, 2019, for service connection of his acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and depressive disorder) is denied. The Board also remanded the cases for further action on special monthly compensation based on housebound status and TDIU.