Depression Board decisions

The Board has restored a 100 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder, effective July 1, 2021, as the reduction from 100 to 70 percent was not proper due to insufficient evidence of improvement.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and headaches have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or are otherwise related to service.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left knee scars has been denied because the scars do not meet the criteria under VA regulations.

The appeal for service connection for major depressive disorder is dismissed.,Service connection for mild tibiotalar osteoarthritis, left ankle is granted based on resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service-connected.,His depression and anxiety are already covered by his existing service-connected adjustment disorder with anxious and depressed mood, so these claims are dismissed.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for major depressive disorder has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for L5-S1 lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.,Service connection for hearing loss was denied because there is no indication of its manifestation within one year of service.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for Major Depressive Disorder and service connection for a respiratory disability, effective from February 8, 2017. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted from December 23, 2020 onward.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent disabling since October 14, 2020. The effective date for this rating is also October 14, 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for mental distress (anxiety, depression) due to in-service trauma and mental health treatment. The evidence is in relative equipoise regarding whether the current condition was caused by military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, which reflects significant impairment in most areas of her life. The appeal for an increased rating has been granted.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding medical records from the Veteran's period of incarceration at Orange County Jail, which should be obtained to support his claim for service connection. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder was granted with an effective date of March 13, 2020. The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, was not properly appealed due to an improper VA Form 10182 submission. The issue is dismissed as a matter of law.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective February 16, 2018, due to her service-connected disabilities preventing her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, as he was unable to maintain gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.,The initial disability rating for depressive disorder remains at 70 percent.

The Board has dismissed the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, due to a previous decision on this matter.

The Veteran's need of regular aid and attendance is due to non-service-connected physical disabilities, mainly his low back disability and peripheral neuropathy. The Board denies the claim for SMC based on the need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his social anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder is denied as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for anxiety, insomnia, and depression is dismissed. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of reoccurring acute sinusitis due to his in-service exposure to particulate matter during his active service. Service connection is granted for this condition. Other claims are denied.