Depression decisions — 2025

The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected depression, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, and awarded a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The effective date for the awards of service connection for the lower extremity conditions was denied.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder (also claimed as PTSD, severe depression, and anxiety) due to the symptoms not warranting a higher rating.

The Board remands the claims for an effective date prior to October 8, 2013, for service connection of major depressive disorder, TDIU, and DEA due to a failure by the AOJ to properly address a Higher-Level Review request.

The Board granted service connection for lower back disability, neck disability (cervicalgia), and persistent depressive disorder with cannabis use disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea was denied.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal regarding the proposal to discontinue service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with major depression.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and higher ratings for various disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, residual surgical scar of the right shoulder, other specified trauma and stressor related disorder with depressive disorder, left foot plantar fasciitis with pes planus and metatarsalgia, fracture of the left ankle, and residuals, fracture, left third metacarpal/long finger.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and major depressive disorder, for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any such disorders.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted a 70 percent disability rating, and TDIU and SMC were also granted effective April 29, 2013.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, and depression, based on the evidence showing a link between the Veteran's symptoms and his service in Vietnam.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder, recurrent, as an additional VA etiology opinion is warranted to address the nature and etiology of the condition.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and denied it for TBI, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran regarding his psychiatric condition.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of July 19, 2021, for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for the service-connected PTSD with persistent depressive disorder.

The Board denied an effective date prior to June 10, 2020, for the award of service connection for persistent depressive disorder.

The appeal for service connection for major depressive disorder (MDD) was dismissed due to a procedural defect in the notice of disagreement.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder due to military sexual trauma that occurred during the Veteran's ROTC training.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder due to military sexual trauma that occurred during the Veteran's ROTC training.

The Board granted an effective date of November 19, 2021, for the award of service connection for hypertension and granted ratings for various disabilities including a 10 percent rating for hypertension prior to July 5, 2023, and a 40 percent rating for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, lumbar spine disorder, and related mental health conditions but denied left ear hearing loss. The claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, a respiratory disorder, and panic attacks were remanded.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), due to a need for additional evidence.

The Veteran was granted a 50 percent rating for post traumatic headaches, and a TDIU was also granted.