Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and mild neurocognitive disorder due to traumatic stress are granted. The Veteran's migraine disability is not rated higher than 50 percent. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for her award of individual unemployability is denied as there was no evidence showing a significant increase in disability within the one-year period prior to February 22, 2024. The Board found that there was not a pending claim for an increase in compensation at the time she filed her TDIU claim.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of claim (February 17, 2023).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development of the evidence, including inadequate VA medical opinions and conflicting findings regarding in-service toxic exposure risk activities.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination for acquired psychiatric disorders, and the need for a new opinion regarding service connection.

The appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed.,A compensable rating for hypertension is denied.,A 10 percent rating for the Veteran's scar related to his colon cancer surgery is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the assignment of monetary benefits.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity is granted.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity is granted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression) is denied.

The Board has determined that the RO's decision on appeal was remanded due to a lack of nexus opinion based on no current disability in the VA examination report. The Veteran is entitled to an adequate opinion noting his current diagnosis and any relationship between his acquired psychiatric disorder and service or other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms were found to be consistent with a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for depression, a rating in excess of 20 percent for prostate cancer with voiding dysfunction, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP. The Veteran's claims are currently under review.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for depression, a rating in excess of 20 percent for prostate cancer with voiding dysfunction, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP. The Veteran's claims are currently under review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hip replacements, and sleep condition was denied. The claims for bilateral hips and sleep disorders are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with persistent depressive disorder) is rated at 50 percent effective January 31, 2018.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress and psychotic features, and other specified trauma stressor related disorder began during active service. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea also began during active service. The Board granted the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, prostate adenocarcinoma with urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) are remanded due to the PACT Act requirements.,A VA examination and medical opinion regarding whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's conceded toxic exposure risk activity are needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was granted with an effective date of May 7, 2012. The decision is based on new evidence that was not previously considered.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and major depression, is related to active service. The Board finds that the evidence supports the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Persistent Depressive Disorder with Mild Alcohol Use Disorder and his service-connected Right Knee Strain, Left Ankle Strain, and Right Ankle Strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is causally related to his active duty service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of a 70 percent rating for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is dismissed as it is not within the Board's jurisdiction.