Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service connection claims for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcohol use disorder, stimulant use disorder) have been granted. The Board found that the evidence supported a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress prior to September 9, 2020 is rated at a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as PTSD and MDD, is granted service connection due to the balance of positive and negative evidence in her favor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder was granted on March 14, 1975. The Board found that the effective date should be set at this time due to the Veteran having a nervous condition diagnosis prior to August 11, 2023.

The Board has remanded most of the Veteran's claims due to a duty-to-assist error, and will need to obtain additional medical records before readjudicating these cases.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder due to a lack of timely filed VA Form 10182 Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating more than 70 percent for acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder) was denied. The VA initially granted service connection with a 70 percent rating effective April 22, 2024.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for MDD was denied.,Service connection for PTSD was denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-5.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder and trauma and stressor-related disorder was granted with an effective date of June 30, 2022. An initial rating higher than 50 percent prior to January 22, 2024, is denied. From January 22, 2024, a 70 percent rating for the psychiatric disorder is granted. The Veteran's entitlement to TDIU was dismissed as it was granted effective from June 30, 2022.

The Veteran's mental health disability caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating. The disability did not cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error in providing notice under 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(5) for claims based on personal assault, and also because of conflicting medical records regarding the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting psychiatric disability, specifically depression and anxiety disorder, increased in severity during service beyond its natural progression. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring an addendum medical opinion to address the Veteran's psychiatric diagnoses and their relation to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD symptoms did not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment, resulting in a denial of a rating in excess of 70 percent. The Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities precluding him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's TDIU for major depression and PTSD is granted effective November 2011, creating eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.,SMC is granted effective September 24, 2013, due to the combination of her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and lumbosacral spine disability are granted as service connected. The Board found the evidence to be in equipoise regarding whether these conditions had their onset during service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of cervical spine condition, lumbar spine condition, and depression due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, are granted as secondary to his service-connected gastrointestinal disability. The gastrointestinal disability is also granted. Meralgia paresthetica of the left leg and right leg, IBS, and sleep apnea are denied. Erectile dysfunction and fibromyalgia remain pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for persistent depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and thoracic spine contributed to his death due to an accidental overdose. The decision is in favor of the Appellant.