Depression decisions — 2025

The Board denied higher ratings for MDD and an earlier effective date for service connection, as well as a TDIU prior to April 23, 2009.

The Board granted service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder also claimed as depression but denied service connection for degenerative changes back, degenerative changes neck, and right shoulder strain claimed as scapula pain.

The Board granted service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus, anemia, and major depressive disorder. The claim for migraine headaches was remanded due to a need for further evidence.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection and higher ratings for spinal stenosis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and persistent depressive disorder (PDD). An effective date of June 30, 2011 was granted for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the claim for an additional VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depression with anxiety.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder was granted a maximum schedular rating of 100 percent from March 9, 2018, due to total occupational and social impairment. Prior to this date, the claim for a higher rating and TDIU were denied.

The Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for his depressive disorder, an effective date of November 20, 2019, for TDIU, and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) from the same date.

The Board found that the reduction in the disability rating from 70 percent to 10 percent for major depressive disorder was proper due to improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and MDD, based on the Veteran's in-service stressors and credible testimony.

The Board granted service connection for sexual dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, and an initial 100 percent disability rating for the acquired psychiatric disorder prior to April 20, 2007. An earlier effective date of August 26, 1983 for DEA benefits was also granted.

The Board granted a rating of 50 percent for the Veteran's psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), as the evidence shows occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression due to an insufficient medical opinion from a previous VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder, finding the evidence to be evenly balanced regarding onset during active duty.

The Board found that the reduction of the veteran's major depressive disorder rating from 70 percent to 50 percent was improper and restored the 70 percent rating effective February 18, 2022.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an unspecified depressive disorder, both due to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's mental health condition, including major depressive disorder. The claims for bilateral tinnitus and right knee injury were remanded for further development.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for persistent depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder to obtain a medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board granted service connection for other specified depressive disorder, finding that the evidence is at least approximately balanced as to whether it is related to service.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and denied increased ratings, except for a 70% rating for major depressive disorder (MDD) from November 21, 2012, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to MDD from the same date. The Board also granted special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from June 10, 2014.

The Board granted a 50 percent disability rating for the Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder with anxious features from October 4, 2019, but denied an increased rating in excess of 70 percent.