Depression decisions — 2025

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to a rating higher than 30 percent for major depressive disorder (MDD) before November 9, 2021, and a rating higher than 70 percent for MDD after November 9, 2021, as well as entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for the aid and attendance of another and total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities before November 9, 2021, for additional development.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and kidney disease, while denying service connection for a low back disability, hip pain, and a neurobehavioral disorder. The claim for a gastrointestinal disability was remanded for further consideration.

The appeal concerning the proposed reduction of rating for major depressive disorder was dismissed, and entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, denied an increased rating for the low back disability, granted a 50 percent rating for depression, and granted TDIU. The appeal was partially successful with some issues being granted while others were denied.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, MDD, and adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders began in service, have continued uninterrupted since service, and are related to his service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for his depressive disorder and for a 100 percent schedular rating for coronary artery disease with cardiomegaly prior to September 29, 2021. The claims for a compensable rating for scars of the chest, thorax, bilateral groin, and left thigh, and entitlement to TDIU were remanded.

The Board granted an initial rating of 100 percent for depressive disorder, effective August 25, 2021.

The Board remands the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as anxiety and depression, to correct a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the September 2021 rating decision on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his unspecified depressive disorder and lumbar spine disorder, have been found to meet the criteria for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and a 70 percent rating for his depressive disorder. The lumbar spine disorder claim is remanded.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TBI to obtain a VA examination and opinion.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder due to a need for additional evidence.

The appeal for a higher rating of PTSD was dismissed due to the Veteran not clarifying his review lane within the required time frame.

The Board granted service connection for right ankle right lateral collateral ligament sprain (chronic/recurrent) and posterior tibial tendonitis, but denied a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss. Several claims for service connection were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher rating for major depressive disorder, and service connection for impotence of organic origin as secondary to degenerative joint disease of the left ankle.

The Board denied an increased rating for major depressive disorder and service connection for tinnitus.

The Board grants service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, and major depressive disorder based on the Veteran's in-service personal assault.

The Board denied increased ratings for hypertension, major depressive disorder with anxious distress, and obstructive sleep apnea as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran was granted an earlier effective date of June 8, 2009 for a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted an effective date of April 30, 2014, for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder and several other conditions related to Parkinson's disease.

The Veteran was granted an increased disability evaluation of 70 percent for generalized anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder from November 20, 2017, to January 20, 2022.