Depression decisions — 2025

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board granted service connection for a psychiatric disability diagnosed as depressive disorder and a back disability (diagnosed as intervertebral disc syndrome), but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include an anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent from September 1, 2021, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include an anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent from September 1, 2021, but no more.

The appeal for service connection for anxiety and depression is remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board granted service connection for the cause of death, finding that the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder was at least as likely as not a contributing factor in his end-stage congestive heart failure.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability, including major neurocognitive disorder, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board remands the service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, to obtain a more adequate medical opinion.

The Board granted the restoration of a 10 percent rating for hypertension, effective July 1, 2025. The remaining claims were remanded.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and left ankle degenerative joint disease due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service stressors and medical nexus.

The Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for MDD and TDIU based on MDD alone, but the effective date for SMC was denied.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD but granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include anxiety and depression.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, but granted service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the bilateral hands as secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for headaches and denied increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, right knee DJD limitation of flexion, left shoulder arthritis, and other issues. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for depressive disorder and separate 20 percent ratings for right knee instability and right knee DJD limitation of extension.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, a rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The claims for service connection for a brain tumor, left ear hearing loss, and a higher rating for major depressive disorder were remanded.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for GERD, insomnia with anxiety and depression, bronchitis with chronic cough, residuals scarring right forearm/elbow with pain, and fatigue due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA effective dates were granted as of July 7, 2020, but no earlier.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's psychiatric disability is secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board remands the claims for higher ratings and TDIU to correct an error in providing notice of the Veteran's right to a pre-decisional hearing.

The Board granted service connection for headaches, PTSD and major depressive disorder, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to hypertension.