Depression decisions — 2025

The claims for an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for major depressive disorder were dismissed due to the lack of case or controversy.

The Board granted service connection for major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraines, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and Hashimoto's disease, all to include as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder. The Board also remanded several other claims for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder (MDD) was granted a rating of 70 percent from November 12, 2018, to November 17, 2020.

The Board granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically depression, based on the evidence supporting the Veteran's contention that his acquired psychiatric condition manifested during active duty and has continued since service.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder and unspecified depressive disorder from September 25, 2017.

The Board remands the issues of an initial disability rating higher than 70 percent for depressive disorder with adjustment disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) for proper notice and evidentiary development.

The Veteran was granted a disability rating of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder from November 2, 2018, to February 24, 2021, and a TDIU based on the same period.

The Board denied service connection for a mental health disability to include depression and anxiety (other than service-connected PTSD) as there was no evidence of a current diagnosis apart from the Veteran's already service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating for her mental health disability, which includes PTSD and major depressive disorder.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress, finding that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and unspecified depressive disorder for purposes of compensation.

The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for migraine headaches and unspecified depressive disorder (claimed as anxiety and depression).

The Board granted service connection for an acquired mental health condition, to include PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The issues of service connection for left leg disability status post left femur fracture, right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, and left leg condition were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, alcohol use disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, other specified personality disorder, and persistent depressive disorder. The claims for allergic rhinitis and headaches were denied, while the claims for radiculopathy in both lower extremities as secondary to lumbosacral strain were granted.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, depression with eating disorder, and sleep apnea to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board remands the matter for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's alcohol use disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for tension headaches, hypothyroidism, and medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) prior to specific dates, as well as service connection for depression.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, finding that the earliest possible effective date was provided.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and left ankle reconstruction due to a need for additional evidence.

The Board remands the claim for a VA mental health examination to determine the current nature and likely etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.