Depression Board decisions

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, OCD, panic disorder and major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild with bilateral TMJ pain as it is not supported by evidence received prior to February 7, 2017.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to military sexual trauma and unspecified depressive disorder, is granted as service-connected. However, the Veteran does not meet criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is proximately due to his service-connected hypertension and hypertensive heart disease, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least as likely as not that his current psychiatric conditions are related to his in-service stressor involving a fire aboard the USS Gary.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are at least as likely as not related to her military sexual trauma. The appeal is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral wrist, right ankle, and lumbar spine disabilities due to failure of the Veteran to appear for VA examinations.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted. The effective date of the award is October 2014, when he filed the initial claim.,Service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was denied as there is no evidence linking these disabilities to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Veteran testified about head injuries during service and ongoing symptoms since then. A new VA examination is needed for an opinion on whether these symptoms are related to his in-service TBI.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and GAD, as well as OSA. The issues are inextricably intertwined due to the potential impact on the OSA claim based on the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder, right knee disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar strain, and right hand disability, have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since April 16, 2020.

The Veteran's depression is rated at a 50 percent rating for the period before March 27, 2013. The Board has determined that a 100 percent rating is warranted beginning January 1, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Additional medical records are needed and a VA examination is required.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is related to his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) is granted, but the claim for PTSD is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of left hand carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted a 100% rating effective July 25, 2013.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of September 2, 2011 for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of September 20, 2016. The rating assigned is 70 percent.

The Veteran's spouse, L.H., is the caregiver and has been providing personal care services for him. The Board found that participation in the PCAFC would significantly enhance his ability to live safely at home. However, the claim was remanded due to incomplete caregiver training and assessment.

The Veteran's spouse is not eligible for PCAFC benefits due to lack of personal care services and caregiver training. The Board has decided the case should be remanded to complete necessary assessments and training.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent for the period on appeal, and he is granted TDIU prior to August 4, 2016.