Depression decisions — 2025

The Board denied a higher initial rating for service-connected major depressive disorder (MDD), as well as total disability based on individual unemployability and special monthly compensation.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for depressive disorder NOS, granted service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to the service-connected depressive disorder NOS, and granted Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for loss of use of a creative organ due to the service-connected depressive disorder NOS.

The Board granted an initial 70 percent rating for persistent depressive disorder and a 50 percent rating for tension headaches, effective from May 29, 2019. The claims for earlier effective dates were denied.

The Board granted an earlier effective date for COPD, SMC at the statutory housebound rate, and DEA benefits. The claims for a higher rating for major depressive disorder, separate TBI rating, and earlier TDIU were remanded.

The Board remands the claim for an examination and opinion to determine the likely etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol use disorder, and other specified depressive disorder. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and right knee strain were also denied. Additionally, the claims for service connection for various radiculopathy conditions and chronic headaches were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for a left knee disability manifested by pain and major depressive disorder (MDD), but remanded the claims for right knee strain, migraines, right shoulder strain, and left shoulder pain.

The Board granted readjudication of the claims for service connection for psychiatric disability, lumbosacral spine disability, gastrointestinal disability, bilateral wrist disability, and bilateral eye conditions based on new evidence being presented.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder with psychotic features and insomnia disorder, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus but denied increased ratings for rhinitis and chronic sphenoid sinusitis and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the Appellant while it was pending before the Board.

The Board granted service connection for a mental condition, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder, based on the evidence showing a causal link to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board denied an effective date prior to July 30, 2020 for a 30 percent rating for depression and cognitive impairment due to Parkinson's disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for hypertension and persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress, as well as a claim for total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Board remands the claim for an adequate examination and medical opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed psychiatric disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 10, 2022, for service connection for major depressive disorder with autism spectrum disorder.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the assignment of ratings and service connection, finding no basis to award an earlier date than May 28, 2019.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for cervical strain, left wrist condition, left ankle condition, anxiety, and depression due to a withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for mental disorder other than PTSD and sleep apnea to obtain additional medical opinions regarding causation and aggravation.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder as well as entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board granted service connection for mild facial acne, allergic rhinitis, and depression based on new and relevant evidence. The claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), residuals of a right eye injury, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied.