Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is denied. The current rating of 50 percent adequately reflects the severity and impact of his mental health symptoms.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, finding that new and relevant evidence supports a finding of etiological relationship to active duty service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder should be remanded due to inadequate opinions and a need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and medical opinions, related to the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with anxious distress and other claims.

The Board has found that the Veteran currently suffers from a psychiatric condition, specifically persistent depressive disorder. However, due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his depression, including whether it is related to service or aggravated by his hearing loss and tinnitus, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied because there is no evidence showing he became unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation during the review period prior to November 30, 2023.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for left shin splints. The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety/depression. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with a new VA examination to determine if there is a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition, carpal tunnel syndrome, and PTSD are being remanded for further evaluation.,No specific service connection rating has been assigned as the appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with depression and alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board has found that his symptoms more closely approximate a 70 percent rating. The case is remanded for further action.

The Board has found that VA did not comply with its duty to assist the appellant and thus remanded for a VA examination regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that there are errors in the decision-making process and requires additional development to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist. The Veteran is entitled to service connection for various conditions, but further evidence is needed due to missing service records.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is found to be aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disability, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's VR&E benefits and services application was not granted due to a lack of evidence in the claims file. The case is being remanded for further evaluation by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC).

The Board has decided to remand the claims for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depressive, anxiety, and chronic tic disorders and the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's treatment records from Dr. J.S., obtained through VA's Community Care Network, need to be considered, as well as further development on the TDIU claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and somatic symptom disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, attention deficit disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety, is considered to have resulted from events that occurred during his active military service. The Board granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Panic Attacks and Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder, as well as his request for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability, were granted effective July 23, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and tinnitus are rated at 70% and 10%, respectively, effective December 13, 2024. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.