Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder are all granted increased ratings. Service connection for right testicle atrophy with chronic epididymitis is also granted. Service connection for a lumbar spine disability is granted.

All appeals concerning service connection for various conditions have been dismissed due to the invalidity of the initial Notice of Disagreement submitted by the Veteran's surviving spouse before substitution was approved.

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, back disability, left and right lower extremity diabetic and lumbar radiculopathy involving the femoral and sciatic nerves is dismissed.,The appeal for service connection for fatigue and hypertension is also dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as she does not have current bilateral hearing loss. The claims of service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, cervical spondylosis, fibromyalgia, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder), disability manifested by atypical chest pain and breathing problems, and left shoulder disability are all remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an extension of time to file a Board Appeal request regarding the April 18, 2024 rating decision that granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress, rhinitis, and migraines and denied service connection for a left knee strain. The appeal was dismissed as untimely.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, or migraine headaches. Service connection was also denied for various conditions including PTSD, PDD, SSD, GAD, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspnea, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and abdominal pain syndrome.

The Board has determined that the VA examination report is inadequate and requires remand to obtain a new opinion addressing whether the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder worsens or aggravates his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The RO must also generate a TERA memorandum and ensure all necessary development, including obtaining the complete military personnel file and any in-service TERA participation records, is completed.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error in failing to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran was hospitalized for a service-connected cocaine use disorder and PTSD. The Board granted a temporary total disability rating (100 percent) from October 29, 2019 to December 31, 2019.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities has not been established, as he can use assistive devices to dress himself and maintain cleanliness of appearance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as PTSD with depression and anxiety have been granted. The case is being remanded to obtain a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) opinion regarding the Veteran's fibromyalgia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on housebound status and aid and attendance due to insufficient evidence regarding his need for regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the AOJ not attempting to obtain private medical records from identified doctors and facilities.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for mandible loss and an earlier effective date for depressive disorder have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is granted, effective January 23, 2012. The decision was made due to the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's left hip arthritis and limitation of extension are rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, so no higher ratings can be granted.,Service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and unspecified depressive disorder is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, neck disorder, and left wrist disorder have been dismissed as the evidence does not support these conditions.,Service connection was previously granted for major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder in a December 2020 rating decision.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further development due to duty-to-assist errors, including failing to consider alternative theories of entitlement and the potential impact of occupational hazards (TERA).

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to provide a VA examination, which is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in its decision regarding an earlier effective date for a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD. The Veteran's VA medical records from June 2019 and August 2019 need to be obtained and reviewed.