Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for dental and oral condition (bruxism), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and sleep apnea have been denied. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded.,Service connection cannot be established as the evidence does not show a current disability or any link to service.

The Veteran's headache disability is found to be aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, and the Board grants service connection for headaches as secondary to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of August 5, 2016. The VA did not consider the relevant military personnel records when initially denying the claim in March 2018.

The Veteran's claims for DEA and a higher disability rating were dismissed as they have been granted with an effective date of November 14, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for DEA and a higher disability rating were dismissed as they have been granted with an effective date of November 14, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for unspecified depressive disorder associated with tinnitus is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board also finds that the issue of entitlement to TDIU is inextricably intertwined and must be addressed together.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for anxiety as it was granted with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in an August 2024 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 70 percent for unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress is granted, effective from June 25, 2019.

The Veteran's MDD and lumbar strain have been granted increased ratings of 70 percent and 40 percent, respectively. The decision also found that the Veteran has suicidal ideation which warrants a higher rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of anxiety condition, depressive disorder, and diverticulitis due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are service-connected, but the Board denied an increased rating for these conditions. The right knee disability and ED claims were also denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder degenerative joint disease. The claim for readjudication of the issue of whether there is new and relevant evidence to read adjudicate the claim of entitlement to service connection for major depressive disorder was also granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder was rated at 30 percent, and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 100 percent for essential thrombocythemia/myeloproliferative disorder (thrombocythemia) is dismissed as the maximum schedular rating has been assigned.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 15, 2019, for a 100 percent rating for thrombocythemia is denied because the increase in disability preceded the claim by more than one year.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 15, 2019, for eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is denied as the criteria were not met prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence on the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD. The Veteran needs a VA examination and an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for cervical strain is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for migraine and migraine variants is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for MDD is dismissed.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of April 12, 2021. The Board finds that the combined effects of his service-connected right knee disability and PTSD with MDD prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC at the intermediate rate was granted, with two half-steps awarded due to service-connected depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran is already entitled to a full step (SMC-L) based on his need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD, MDD, insomnia, and alcohol dependency resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to May 29, 2021. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, thus a higher rating was denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board finds that relevant SSA records concerning the determination of the Veteran's Social Security disability benefits need to be obtained.