Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has been granted a 100 percent rating for the entire appeal period, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for MDD was denied in December 2007, and the effective date of March 9, 2011, is not earlier than this denial.,The Veteran's claims for residuals of ingrown toenails of the right foot and left foot were denied in July 1981. The effective dates of January 10, 2011, are not earlier than these denials.,The Veteran's eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits was established on March 9, 2011, and the effective date is not earlier than this determination.

The Veteran's partial gastrectomy with GERD is rated at 20 percent, and the initial rating for unspecified depressive disorder is granted at 70 percent.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits were not granted earlier than October 8, 2013 because he was not service-connected for any disabilities prior to that date.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to his symptoms being fully contemplated by this rating.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is granted a rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for TDIU has been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, as his major depressive disorder and left shoulder disability limit his employment options.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of his service-connected other specified depressive disorder with other specified stressor related disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling an examination and obtaining medical opinions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, are found to be related to his service-connected left shoulder disability.,His left knee condition is determined to be at least as likely as not related to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, recurrent, with anxious distress and alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 70 percent from September 24, 2019, through July 4, 2023.,A higher rating in excess of 70 percent for the entire period on appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current depressive disorder is related to his active military service, including his combat experience in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder. The evidence shows the Veteran experienced significant mental health issues during his military service, which led to his current conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate, with panic was found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 70 percent.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted as incurred in service. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder and left foot disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate, with panic was found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 70 percent.

The Veteran's mental health disorder, claimed as depression, anxiety disorder, mood swings, and nightmares, was incurred during his active military service. The Board found sufficient evidence to grant service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression. The claims of entitlement to service connection for headaches and a compensable rating for PFB are remanded due to failure to appear for VA examinations.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of September 26, 2019 for a 100% evaluation for PTSD with major depressive disorder. The appeal was based on the Veteran's assertion that she should have received this increased rating as early as her initial claim in April 2010.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for depression should be remanded due to errors in duty to assist and incomplete records. The Veteran was not provided with all relevant VA treatment records, including those from his mental health care during active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a foot/toenail disability was denied in April 2019, but the appeal has been remanded. The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was granted after new and relevant evidence was submitted.