Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with MDD is granted based on a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, MDD, cocaine use disorder, and cannabis use disorder are granted based on a verified in-service stressor. His current diagnoses of MDD, cocaine use disorder, and cannabis use disorder are found to be proximately due to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided by VA. The Veteran's claims of service connection and increased disability ratings are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cluster headaches was denied, as he is already receiving the maximum available rating.,The Veteran's need for aid and attendance of another due to his service-connected physical and mental impairments was granted effective January 27, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 70 percent evaluation for service-connected major depressive disorder is denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date was March 10, 2015, when the Veteran initially claimed service connection for this condition. Entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other related conditions, has been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The issues of secondary service connection have also been remanded.

The Board vacated the portion of the August 15, 2023 decision denying an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to October 6, 2020, and a 70 percent rating is granted beginning from that date.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 30 percent and denied an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, COPD, and depression due to service connection issues. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's periods of active service, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA, as well as his exposure to asbestos and carbon tetrachloride during any period of service.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate your claim as you are no longer alive.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is granted as service connected. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee disability, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to exposure to toxins at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's right ear scar is not productive of characteristics of disfigurement, visible or palpable tissue loss, or gross distortion or asymmetry. The claim for a compensable rating for the right ear scar is denied.

The Veteran's alcohol use disorder is being remanded due to the possibility of secondary service connection. The rating for her unspecified depressive disorder needs to be reassessed as the previous examination only evaluated her alcohol use disorder.

The Board dismissed the appeals for lumbar disability, migraine headaches, anxiety and depression, and polycystic ovaries as the Veteran withdrew her appeal.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating.,Service connection for a cervical spine condition and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy due to that condition are granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder is granted with an effective date of January 30, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and borderline personality disorder is denied as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, including those for service connection and higher ratings for various conditions. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, a left knee injury, and a low back disability have been granted. The Board found that the evidence supported these claims based on in-service events and continuous symptoms since separation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of major depressive disorder has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.