Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and earlier effective date for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder have been denied. The RO found that the severity of his symptoms, as described by a VA examiner, did not warrant a higher rating than the current 70 percent assigned.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and tinnitus. The Board found that the Veteran's depression and GAD were not separate and distinct from his PTSD, and therefore cannot be rated as separate service-connected conditions. Service connection was granted for tinnitus based on in-service exposure to loud noises.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be at least as likely as not related to his service-connected shoulder disabilities, thus granting service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of August 6, 2004 for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder. The case is remanded for a rating review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, chronic adjustment disorder, depressive disorder, PTSD, and anxiety disorders, are etiologically related to service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD is granted a 100 percent rating, effective September 8, 2020. The Board found that the Veteran's disability more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher disability rating for PTSD, with depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, and for TDIU have been dismissed due to the failure to respond to the Board's request for clarification of her intended appeal options.

The Board has found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including anxiety and depression, are not related to her service due to a lack of clear and unmistakable evidence. The polycystic breast issue requires further examination as no VA examination has been conducted.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, temporomandibular joint syndrome with bruxism (TMJ), and cervical myofascial pain. The remand requires an updated VA examination to address the Veteran's scholarly material and the effects of medications on his enlarged prostate.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations and medical opinions, as well as potential legal errors in previous decisions. The Veteran will have an opportunity to request another hearing or present additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied because he is not in need of such assistance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that while the Veteran requires some help with daily activities, he does not meet the criteria for needing regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depressive disorder with mixed features, and irritable bowel syndrome were granted effective August 10, 2022.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent from April 9, 2022 to January 19, 2024. The rating was granted as it meets the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a rating of 70 percent, effective March 28, 2024. The symptoms associated with the condition cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with insomnia associated with tinnitus and headaches secondary to tinnitus, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for major depression, recurrent is denied. The claims for service connection for right and left lower sciatica, hearing loss, and tinnitus are dismissed.

The rating for Major Depressive Disorder was restored to 50 percent, and a 70 percent rating is granted prior to July 30, 2016. The appeal for an increased rating after June 19, 2018, is denied.

The Veteran's tinea pedis has been granted an initial 10 percent rating. The Board has identified pre-decisional duty to assist errors for the remaining issues and has ordered remand for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claims as they are no longer pending.

The Veteran's service connection for unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress was initially severed in April 2024, but the Board has now granted restoration of this condition based on new evidence that supports its relationship to military service.