Depression decisions — 2025

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded a claim for service connection due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and headaches, as there was no evidence of a current disability. The claims for left foot condition, depression, and right shoulder condition were remanded for further development.

The Board denied a rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD, GAD, MDD, and panic disorder as the Veteran did not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment due to these conditions.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss and a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The claims for service connection for various disabilities, including psychiatric conditions, lumbosacral spine disability, sleep apnea, pulmonary disease, esophageal issues, ulcers, intestinal problems, thyroid disorders, vertigo, headaches, TDIU, and special monthly compensation were remanded.

The appeal of the issue of service connection for depression was withdrawn by the Veteran and is therefore dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date prior to October 27, 2022 for a 70 percent evaluation of major depressive disorder with anxious distress and entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include anxiety and depression, due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a new medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for bipolar disorder, anxiety, major depression, and sleep disturbances as there is no current disability of these conditions that are distinct from the Veteran's already service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and an initial compensable rating, finding that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating for her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder and autistic spectrum resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a higher initial rating of 70 percent from August 5, 2020. Additionally, the Veteran is entitled to TDIU due to his service-connected conditions starting May 22, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder was granted a 70 percent rating effective January 14, 2022, and entitlement to TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate were also granted on that date.

The Veteran has withdrawn the appeal for service connection of multiple conditions, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, chronic depression, chronic anxiety, sleep disorder, degenerative disc disease, left knee meniscal tear, and substance abuse-alcohol.

The appeal for an earlier effective date prior to February 4, 2013, for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder was dismissed due to a pending Board appeal regarding the propriety of the assignment of that effective date.

The Board remands the claims for a 100 percent rating and TDIU due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board granted an effective date of February 9, 2018, for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder with mixed features somatic symptom disorder associated with migraines.

The Board remands the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error, as recent evidence suggests a worsening of service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the case for an opinion from a reviewing clinician to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to his active service or caused by or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for chronic anxiety and major depressive disorder, leading to the dismissal of these appeals.

The Board remands the claims for further development and readjudication, including considering new evidence associated with the file since the April 2016 rating decision.