Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow any substantially gainful occupation, thus the Board grants an extraschedular TDIU.

The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for renunciation of VA compensation benefits is denied as the renouncement was made effective October 1, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, MDD with anxious distress, a right eye disorder, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a 100% rating for depressive disorder and SMC at the housebound rate is denied prior to August 26, 2022. The effective date of TDIU is moot as of August 26, 2022.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric condition and its relationship to service. The VA must provide an adequate medical opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to his military service or aggravated by his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused his acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been granted a 50 percent disability rating, effective from August 23, 2016. The claim for TDIU has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for left knee instability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities has been dismissed as moot. The Veteran is already receiving a combined 100% disability rating, which covers multiple conditions including his knee issues, arthritis, PTSD with depression, sleep disorder, concentration and memory issues, and autoimmune disease. As none of these conditions alone prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, the TDIU issue has been dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of left ankle sprain is granted. The claims for service connection for lumbosacral degenerative joint disease and disc disease, respiratory disorder, and depression due to sexual harassment on active duty are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder, is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. A new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his current psychiatric condition.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of April 10, 2018 for the grant of service connection for PTSD and denied a higher evaluation for PTSD. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for depression and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to depression due to potential toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's military records show he served at Camp Lejeune during a period of presumed exposure, but there is insufficient evidence to grant the claims without further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depression are at least as likely as not related to his service, including a fear of death or serious injury during active duty. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board dismissed the appeals for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Agoraphobia/Panic Disorder, and Depressive Disorder. The Veteran's Tension Headaches were granted a 70% rating from January 25, 2017 to September 9, 2021. Service connection was established for PTSD with a 70% rating during this period.

The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, is granted as it is proximately due to his service-connected orthopedic disabilities.,Service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service stressor.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features was granted service connection.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.

The Board has dismissed the claims for hypertension and atrial fibrillation as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. The remaining issues of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression; back disability; numbness in hand; and loss of feeling in foot are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was granted a 50 percent rating prior to October 1, 2022. From October 1, 2022, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating was denied.