Depression Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, Anxiety disorder, and Depression as the evidence did not show a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder was granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent from August 22, 2013 to November 8, 2015.

The Board has granted a rating of 100 percent for major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms resulted in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for depressive disorder prior to November 18, 2022 was denied. However, the Veteran received a 70 percent rating effective from November 18, 2022.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder, finding that his symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the claims for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with recurrent major depressive disorder and ischemic heart disease due to an error in sending a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder alone precludes him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and he is granted a TDIU. He also meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate due to his other service-connected disabilities. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is remanded.

The appeal is remanded for further action on the claims of service connection for hepatitis B with status post liver transplant, tender scar of the medial lower left arm, and left ulnar nerve injury with surgery.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disorder is reopened and granted. The claims for residuals of TBI, bilateral eye disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral foot disorder are denied. Service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral shoulder disorder, MDD, and hypertension are also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiovascular disability and an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression. The evidence does not show current diagnoses of these conditions.,There is no medical evidence showing that the Veteran currently suffers from a cardiovascular or psychiatric disability.

The Board has denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with major depressive disorder, alcohol dependence and cannabis use disorder. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for psychiatric disability (PTSD) and TDIU based on psychiatric disability are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficient to meet the eligibility criteria for nonservice-connected pension benefits, thus denying his claim.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bipolar disorder and remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence, including military personnel records, VA treatment records, and hospitalization records.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with other specified depressive disorder and alcohol abuse has been withdrawn, thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities and related in-service stressors, is being remanded due to the need for verification of his claimed stressors. Additional opinions are needed regarding the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD, Major depressive disorder, Bipolar disorder, and Dementia as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for persistent depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected skin rash, finding that there is no current diagnosis of a mental health disability.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, has been granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed, including verification of stressors and a new examination for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer under the PACT Act, but remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea due to potential lack of evidence supporting a nexus to service.