Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD to include persistent depressive disorder and moderate alcohol use disorder is granted. However, his claims for service connection of chronic fatigue syndrome, rhinitis, headaches, sinusitis, gastrointestinal disability, and respiratory insufficiency are denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted a 100 percent rating. The right middle finger disability remains at a 10 percent rating, and the right knee strain reduction from 20 to 10 percent is upheld.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, unspecified depressive disorder, is granted as service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression caused his Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression caused his Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status is denied as he does not require such assistance.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for her acquired psychiatric disorder is denied, and the claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, respiratory disorder, OSA, brain aneurysm, and gout have been remanded due to insufficient evidence of in-service stressors.,There is no credible evidence supporting the Veteran's reported in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus type 2 have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 17, 2016. The effective date for TDIU is set at May 17, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder with insomnia, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied. The effective date of the grants of these conditions is September 25, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, anxiety condition, and major depression, as well as sleep apnea. The Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are not yet evaluated by VA medical examination.

The Veteran's adopted daughter, S., is recognized as a helpless child due to her permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching the age of 18 based on her severe mental health conditions and inability to support herself.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder with anxious distress was denied.,A 20 percent rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy involving the upper radicular group is granted, effective October 14, 2022.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder and panic attacks, and TDIU due to lack of evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, left shoulder arthritis, right ankle and knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational history.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder, finding that it is secondary to her service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, effective September 26, 2023. The appellant is eligible for attorney fees from past-due benefits awarded in this decision.

The Veteran's depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder with insomnia disorder is granted, effective from February 3, 2023.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the reduction of his PTSD with MDD disability rating from 70 percent to 50 percent is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran also appealed for an increased disability rating for PTSD with MDD, and this appeal is also remanded.