Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress, resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas for the entire period on appeal. The Board granted an initial rating of 70 percent for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, alcohol dependence, and anger issues. The denial is based on a lack of verified stressor in service linking these conditions to service, as well as a lack of medical nexus connecting them to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress and cannabis use disorder, was manifested by symptoms resulting in occupational and social impairment. The Board found the evidence did not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment required for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) because his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his symptoms are related to in-service stressors and fear of hostile military or terrorist activities. The diagnosis is supported by a VA psychologist.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including persistent depressive disorder with insomnia disorder and alcohol use disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities. An initial 30 percent rating for migraines is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression. The evidence did not support a finding that his current conditions were related to service or any in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia, PTSD, and substance-induced depressive disorder is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The case will be reviewed with new medical opinions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (major depressive and generalized anxiety disorder) is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The appeal has been granted as TDIU based on his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his depressive disorder with alcohol abuse and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of records, including VA treatment records and private mental health records. The Board is also unclear about the Veteran's employment status and needs clarification on whether he is still working or if he has stopped working due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the appellant's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA is required to provide a VA examination and conduct development with respect to the appellant's claim of MST.

The Board has awarded a 100% disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected conditions, effective April 12, 2020. As this award moots the issue of individual unemployability, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a temporary total evaluation based on hospitalization for service-connected major depressive disorder with alcohol and stimulant use disorder due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD/depressive disorder prior to December 29, 2005 is rated at 30 percent and the appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

The appeals for service connection of various conditions have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran, who was the original claimant.

The Veteran's eyesight disability claim was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal during the May 2024 Board hearing.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, was denied due to lack of evidence linking any current mental health condition to service or a period of ACDUTRA. The Veteran's claim is based on his belief that he experienced trauma during service, but the Board found no credible supporting evidence for specific in-service stressors.,Service connection for arthritis of the right hand and fingers was denied as there was no evidence linking the condition to service or a period of ACDUTRA.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities, but denied SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal for the evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea, thoracic spine disability (claimed as lumbar spine condition), and depression, as well as entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted due to the submission of a timely substantive appeal in March 2020.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, but effective dates earlier than August 10, 2022 are not warranted.