Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the increased evaluation of PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, TDIU, and eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits. The effective date is set at April 11, 2016.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is found to be related to his active duty service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms, warranting a 50 percent disability rating. The evidence did not show more severe manifestations that would justify a higher rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability. The evidence shows that the Veteran's current depressive disorder is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's bladder incontinence due to excessive coughing and acquired psychiatric disability, claimed as depression and/or depressive disorder, are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or causal relationship to service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected anxiety and depressive disorder, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious distress, finding that the Veteran's current mental condition is related to her in-service military sexual trauma-related event.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hyperthyroidism due to herbicide exposure is dismissed as moot. Service connection for hypertension due to in-service herbicide exposure pursuant to the PACT Act and Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 is granted. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, remains pending.

The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, lumbar retrolisthesis and spinal narrowing from September 30, 2019 to December 8, 2020, and major depressive disorder have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent, effective as of the date of the decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of consideration of relevant medical evidence and opinions. A new VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with depressed mood, is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The Board finds that the matter must be remanded to cure this pre-decisional error.

The appeal is dismissed because the appellant died during the pendency of her appeal, and the Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claim at this time.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 100 percent for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for a separate disability rating for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction, as well as the claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ due to new evidence received.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should have been provided a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus remands the case for this purpose.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including anxiety, depression, and panic disorder. The evidence shows a current diagnosis of these conditions and a link to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates have been withdrawn by his representative, and the Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 1, 2012 for the Veteran's TDIU and DEA eligibility. The decision is based on the fact that the Veteran became unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities starting from January 26, 2009.