Depression Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to uncertainty regarding the date of submission of the Veteran's waiver claims, which may have been untimely. The Veteran and his representative assert that they submitted their original set of waiver claims on February 28, 2020, but there is no evidence in the file supporting this claim. The Board will review the files to determine if such a document exists.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including recurrent depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder. The evidence shows that the Veteran's symptoms began during his military service and have continued since then.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder was rated at 70 percent prior to June 12, 2023. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder was granted an initial increased rating of 70 percent prior to March 29, 2022. Additionally, the Veteran was granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities prior to that date.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome were dismissed as the benefits sought have been granted.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a respiratory condition, peripheral arterial disease, stable angina, fevers (also claimed as Meningeal disease), and bilateral hearing loss were dismissed as the benefits sought have been granted.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder, left hip bursitis, and right ankle sprain are all rated at the maximum allowable under current criteria.,No effective date earlier than March 13, 2018 for any service connection awards was granted.,The Veteran's disabilities do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating based on their severity.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress due to pre-decisional deficiencies in the medical opinion provided.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance and supports a grant of service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, OCD, anxiety, and depression. The evidence submitted did not provide new information that would support a link between her current diagnoses and her military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for MDD was denied, and his claim for TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, PTSD, and somatic symptom disorder, is granted as service connected due to the evidence showing a link between her in-service stressors and her current mental health conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for unspecified depressive disorder is denied as her symptoms do not more closely approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress. Service connection was denied for tinnitus due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and stimulant use disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective April 30, 2014. The appeal for a higher rating was denied. A TDIU was granted effective April 30, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, which warranted a discharge for disability at the time of separation from service, qualifies him for VA home loan guaranty benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete military personnel records and a need for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction has been granted. The claims for service connection for depression and a skin condition, to include rashes and skin sensitivities, have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress was granted, effective from May 9, 2014. The decision is based on new and material evidence submitted within one year of the October 2014 rating decision.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depression is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. TDIU and DEA benefits are granted for the period April 4, 2014 to April 19, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The claims for insomnia and migraine headaches are also remanded.