Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, but the Board expanded it to include major depressive disorder. The Board found that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of major depressive disorder and established a causal relationship between his in-service experience and his current condition. Therefore, service connection is granted for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, diagnosed as severe and life-threatening with indices of greater than 55 respiratory disturbances and 55% oxygen saturation, was granted service connection on a secondary basis due to his service-connected back pain, depressive disorder, knee disabilities, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's cause of death from acute myocardial infarction caused by severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and sexual dysfunction, both secondary to his service-connected GERD. The claims are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors that occurred prior to the July 2019 rating decision on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is now rated at 100% effective July 1, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, which is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and TBI, must be remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. An addendum opinion is needed from the VA examiner.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 11, 2013 for the service connection of a persistent depressive disorder. The case is remanded to determine if entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis is warranted.

The Veteran's MDD is granted a higher rating of 70 percent prior to February 9, 2023. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for MDD after February 9, 2023, and the claim for a higher rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus are denied. Earlier effective dates are granted for various disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and is considering other claims, including an increased rating for acquired psychiatric disorder and left wrist tendonitis. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder currently rated at 70% will not be granted a higher rating due to lack of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is granted, with the earliest possible effective date being March 22, 2017.

The Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder are related to service.,The Veteran's Somatic Symptom Disorder is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and unspecified alcohol use disorder was denied as the evidence did not support a 100% disability evaluation due to lack of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded for further development, including verification of stressors and a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 23, 2001 for the award of TDIU and DEA benefits. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation since that date.

The Veteran's low back disability, radiculopathy of the femoral and sciatic nerves, and depression have been granted service connection with effective dates set at October 15, 2010. The rating for his low back condition is denied as it does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to her service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not show that her service-connected conditions rendered her helpless or in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her psychiatric disabilities, including somatic symptom disorder, major depressive disorder, anxious distress, and alcohol use disorder, was denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for her depressive disorder and bereavement was denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating, with the exception of occasional periods of significant stress which decreased work efficiency.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including rescanning illegible service treatment records and making a clear determination regarding exposure basis.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for a lumbar spine condition, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD), and a respiratory condition due to new evidence received since the November 2012 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent her from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment, and the Board finds in favor of granting TDIU based on this finding.