Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, but he is now granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder NOS, and Panic Disorder. The diagnoses are based on his in-service knee pain and subsequent mental health issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was granted in an October 6, 2021 rating decision. The issue is now dismissed as moot because the Veteran has already received a full grant of the benefit sought.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) because the Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU until April 17, 2009. The effective date is set at this date as it is the earliest possible effective date given that the Veteran met the schedular criteria and there was no formal claim prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for major depressive disorder, an earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance eligibility, and TDIU prior to November 12, 2020 are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder with adjustment disorder, is rated at 70 percent disabling from June 6, 2017. Effective dates for TDIU, DEA benefits, and SMC are also granted as of June 6, 2017.

The Veteran's request for an extension of her delimiting date for Chapter 33 educational assistance benefits was denied because the evidence did not clearly establish that she was prevented from initiating or completing her chosen program of education due to a physical or mental disability.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability and PTSD have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment, leading to a TDIU grant.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted based on her service-connected migraines. The combined rating of all service-connected disabilities is at least 60%, meeting the criteria for SMC housebound.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are related to her service-connected obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions, granting her claim for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU related to his PTSD is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a VA examination in light of evidence suggesting a possible worsening of his mental health disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder were initially rated at 50 percent prior to May 21, 2010. A rating of 70 percent was granted from that date onwards.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was initially denied in July 2013. In October 2023, the Veteran submitted a supplemental claim listing this issue. The March 2024 rating decision granted service connection for depression and awarded past-due benefits. Attorney fees are now eligible based on these decisions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, with a remand on his lumbosacral strain claim.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board has dismissed the claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to service, while his acquired psychiatric disabilities are also granted as they began during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, as his inability to work is due to non-service connected conditions.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of April 13, 2020 for the award of a 70 percent rating for unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder with insomnia disorder and major depression. The Veteran also met the criteria for eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance from April 13, 2020.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and the effective date for this grant of service connection is set at January 1, 2007.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder resulted in total occupational and social impairment, including persistent danger of harm to others and auditory hallucinations. The Board has granted a disability rating of 100 percent for accrued purposes.

The Veteran's initial rating for Major Depressive Disorder was granted at a 50 percent level, effective April 17, 2015.