Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for Major Depressive Disorder was denied, and the claim for TDIU between October 12, 2018 and April 2, 2019 is remanded.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, with cognitive impairment and sleep disturbances, are now rated at 70 percent effective March 29, 2023. Special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance is also granted from that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient development, including the need for VA examinations.

The Board granted service connection for asthma with an effective date of August 15, 2013. Service connection was also granted for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, but the specific effective dates are not provided as they were not addressed in this decision. The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is characterized by occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, chronic sleep impairment, and difficulty establishing work relationships.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder and Intermittent Explosive Disorder did not begin during service and are not related to an in-service injury or disease, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's IBS is secondary to his service-connected Depressive Disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder traumatic arthritis, right wrist traumatic arthritis, and right ankle traumatic arthritis. The decision finds that the Veteran's depressive disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is related to his active military service. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and increased rating for the listed conditions.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, due to military sexual trauma. The AOJ is instructed to obtain the Veteran's complete Army National Guard service personnel records from all sources possible.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has granted a higher initial rating of 50 percent effective October 5, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, is granted due to new evidence received since the last decision.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for depressive disorder and PTSD due to a duty to assist error in failing to obtain an adequate examination. The Veteran's pre-existing mental health issues are presumed, but his military service may have aggravated them.

The Veteran's back disability rating was restored from 20% to 40%, effective October 1, 2020.,The Veteran's mental disability rating was restored from 30% to 50%, effective January 1, 2020.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to July 28, 2020 is granted based on her service-connected disabilities including narcolepsy, fibromyalgia, and persistent depressive disorder.

The appeal to reduce the Veteran's PTSD, unspecified major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder rating from 70% to 30% was dismissed because the reduction did not occur in the September 2020 decision. The Veteran will not be prejudiced by this dismissal.

The Veteran's request for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right arm tendinitis was denied. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for depression, anxiety, a back condition, and a left knee condition.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 30 percent prior to May 26, 2020 and increased to 70 percent beginning from that date.,The Veteran's employment was considered in determining TDIU eligibility.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings and TDIU, effective upon the Board's receipt of their requests. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.