Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the evidence supports a diagnosis of these conditions due to in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, effective December 20, 2013. Additionally, the Veteran has a 60 percent rating for urinary incontinence, which meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.

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

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder meet the schedular criteria for TDIU, granted effective November 20, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on multiple conditions has been remanded, and the claim for erectile dysfunction was withdrawn. The initial rating for MDD with GAD remains denied.

The Veteran requires assistance in accomplishing daily activities and is unable to protect himself from hazards due to his service-connected conditions, including PTSD with major depressive disorder, postoperative residuals of bowel injury, back condition, abdominal scars, radiculopathy, hernia, and a scar. SMC based on the regular need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, and depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent. The appeal for a higher initial rating for the psychiatric disorder has been denied. The Veteran was granted entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

Your claims for service connection have been dismissed as the Veteran's appeal is concurrent with his Higher-Level Review request.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, must be remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The AOJ did not get medical nexus opinions for all diagnosed disorders other than PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) and entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder. The reasons include the need to obtain VA treatment records from the period on appeal.

The Veteran's depression has been granted a 100 percent rating effective March 26, 2021.,Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits began on the same date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate development and examination regarding his psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and alcohol abuse. The AOJ will obtain additional evidence and provide a new VA opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, PTSD, and a back disability due to pre-decisional errors in obtaining VA medical examinations and opinions related to his reported stressors and disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss, but with a noncompensable evaluation effective April 30, 2020. The Board also remanded several other issues related to various conditions.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 30 percent from November 30, 2012. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date of February 17, 2020, for a 100% rating for service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder due to improper docketing under the legacy system.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and unspecified depressive disorder do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, as his disabilities are compensated by the assigned schedular ratings.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for residuals of a head injury (TBI) and posttraumatic headaches was denied.,A disability rating of 50 percent for posttraumatic headaches prior to June 28, 2016, was granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for posttraumatic headaches after that date is still pending.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, as well as sleep apnea secondary to PTSD. The evidence does not support the presence of a valid in-service stressor or event leading to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected depression is rated at 70 percent effective October 10, 2012. An increased rating for OSA from November 7, 2011, and a separate compensable rating for allergic rhinitis are granted.