Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's MDD is granted with a rating of 70 percent prior to November 30, 2023. A higher rating is denied from that date forward.,A compensable disability rating for PFB is also granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is no link between his current condition and his military service. The Board concluded that the Veteran's OSA was less likely than not due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for major depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain relevant private treatment records from a non-VA hospital.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted, and the Board has remanded two issues for further examination: service connection for a headache condition secondary to major depressive disorder and service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to major depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the claims file is missing relevant medical evidence, including records from Dr. K.M., and therefore these claims are remanded for further action.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 5, 2016 for the award of service connection for PTSD, claimed as depression (related to: PTSD - Non-Combat), also claimed as anxiety condition with panic attacks and phobias.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective August 15, 2022. The appellant is eligible for direct payment of attorney fees from benefits resulting from this grant.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder and depression. The AOJ needs to obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician to determine if the Veteran had a diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disability at any time during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 24, 2017 for TDIU was denied. The earliest effective date for TDIU is granted on February 24, 2017 when the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder was rated at 70%.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the minimum rating available. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 50%, 70%, or 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and major depressive disorder is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ must obtain private treatment records from relevant providers.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by her authorized representative, and the Board is dismissing the case as a result.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 50 percent from September 29, 2011. The rating is granted but no higher.

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date and increased rating for depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder has been granted. The effective date is set at June 7, 2013, the date of his informal claim. He was assigned a noncompensable initial evaluation which was later upgraded to 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to April 27, 2021, for a 100 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder was denied as it is not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's symptoms worsened within one year prior to his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service. The Veteran is to be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her current psychiatric conditions.

The reduction in the disability rating for major depressive disorder and PTSD from 70% to 50% was improper, and the original 70% evaluation is restored. The Veteran's entitlement to a TDIU was denied due to his ability to perform sedentary work despite his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and PTSD, had onset in service and has persisted since separation. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder prior to February 12, 2021, was denied. The effective date for the award of an acquired psychiatric disorder was not established as it is pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding that new evidence supports a link between his in-service experiences and his current psychiatric disabilities.