Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100% throughout the appeal period, and she is granted an increased disability rating. However, her claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected major depressive disorder is dismissed as moot.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected deviated septum. The Veteran's major depressive disorder was not found to be related to his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's initial rating for patellofemoral syndrome claimed as left knee pain is denied, with a final evaluation of 10 percent effective January 26, 2019.,The Veteran's initial rating for depression is denied, with a final evaluation of 30 percent effective January 26, 2019. The appeal regarding service connection for right supraclavicular nerve impingement, chest pain, headaches, and dizziness/vertigo is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) alone is sufficient to support a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), and the Veteran's other service-connected disabilities are ratable at least 60 percent combined, from February 25, 2020. Additionally, the Veteran is granted Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on a single service-connected disability rated as total.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that no CUE was established in a previous rating decision. The earliest allowable effective date is October 21, 2020.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as service connected, but his left lower leg, right hip, and right ankle disabilities are denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar and depressive disorders, finding that there is at least a reasonable doubt in favor of his claims based on competent evidence provided by the Veteran during his hearing.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected mental health disabilities. The issue of SMC at the housebound rate is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder is productive of occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his unspecified depressive disorder and right index finger limitation of motion was denied. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent or 10 percent, respectively.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is granted an increased rating to 70 percent, effective May 24, 2016. The symptoms of his psychiatric disability more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent effective February 25, 2021.,The Veteran's GERD with IBS and Barrett's esophagus is rated at 30 percent effective February 25, 2021.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and Anxious Distress resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total. The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and denied service connection for Depression. The Veteran's PTSD is related to his active service, while the depression symptoms are considered part of his PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and initial rating of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, was granted with a 100% disability rating effective January 29, 2018. The earlier effective date for DEA eligibility is also granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence meeting the regulatory requirements for establishing a current disability. The claims for service connection for depression and left knee condition are remanded as there is insufficient competent medical evidence on file to make a reasoned determination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of a valid fee agreement, and thus denied eligibility for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in November 2020.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in verifying the Veteran's claimed stressor.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed it.