Depression decisions — 2025

The veteran's request for a higher rating for tinnitus was denied. The claims for service connection for anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), sleep disturbances, and lumbar spine injury residuals were remanded for further evaluation.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, for accrued benefits. The Veteran's surviving spouse will receive periodic monetary benefits to which the Veteran was entitled at the time of his death.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection for PTSD to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's file will be forwarded to an appropriate clinician for review and examination if necessary.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a higher evaluation (above 70%) for PTSD with GAD and MDD, stating that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's claims for a higher rating for migraines and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis were denied. The claims for service connection for depression, alcohol use disorder, chest pain, shortness of breath, and bilateral hearing loss were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, based on a finding that these conditions are related to his active-duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU prior to November 30, 2016 was denied as the evidence did not show that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD per history, depression, cannabis use disorder, and mild neurocognitive disorder of unspecified etiology, is granted as secondary to his service-connected knee and back disabilities. The Board found that the most persuasive evidence demonstrates that his currently-diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder was caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee and back disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting opinions on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance. The case is being sent back for clarification.

The appeal was dismissed because the VA already granted service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder, making the appeal moot.

The veteran's appeal for chronic fatigue syndrome was dismissed. The veteran's ratings for lumbar degenerative arthritis and radiculopathy were restored to 20 percent. The veteran was granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD and special monthly compensation based on statutory housebound criteria.

The veteran's rating for OCD, including panic disorder, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, is increased to 70 percent. The Board found that the severity of symptoms warranted this increase but denied a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder to 100 percent was granted. Other claims were denied or remanded.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) but remanded the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date prior to August 10, 2020, for service connection of PTSD and MDD, as well as for eligibility to DEA based on permanent and total disability status.

The veteran's claim for service connection for stress urinary incontinence as secondary to lumbar radiculopathy was granted. The effective date for service connection for sciatic radiculopathy, right lower extremity was set to January 18, 2022. An increased disability rating of 20 percent for left knee joint osteoarthritis with limited flexion from August 11, 2021, to February 2, 2023, was granted. The claim for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for unspecified depressive disorder from February 16, 2021, to February 2, 2023, was denied.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression. The Board found that the evidence was unclear whether the Veteran's presumption of soundness had been rebutted.

The veteran is granted an effective date of November 1, 2008 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, initial compensable evaluation for PFB, and service connection for facial scarring due to errors in obtaining necessary records and examinations.