Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran withdrew their appeal concerning the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for other specified depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim is being returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted an increased rating of 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of Major Depression, and the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Veteran's initial rating for other specified depressive disorder was denied, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation.

The Veteran's initial increased disability ratings for Major Depressive Disorder and Migraines have been denied. The Veteran was awarded a 30 percent rating for Migraines, but her claim for an increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder prior to May 15, 2019, and from that date onwards, has not been granted.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, characterized by chronic posttraumatic stress disorder, persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress, late onset pure dysthymic syndrome, mixed obsessional thoughts and acts, and alcohol use disorder, severe, is rated at a 50 percent since October 22, 2021.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are granted as aggravated by his service-connected GERD. The claim for PTSD is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis, and the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (to include ADD or ADHD) is also denied.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and therefore, the claim for cause of death is denied. The claim for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 also fails as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for total disability ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders. A VA examination is needed to provide a medical opinion on this matter.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids and service connection for an injury to the eyes (chemical, ink) was withdrawn. The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is granted at 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Bipolar II Disorder, is rated at 70 percent from June 26, 2023, to present.

The Board has determined that the November 2023 VHA decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits is inadequate and requires further review by a medical opinion to determine if the Veteran requires personal care services, supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury, or needs regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which his ability to function in daily life would be seriously impaired.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided in connection with this appeal was inadequate and remanded for a new opinion. The claims of entitlement to service connection for anxiety condition and depression are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claims for TDIU and DEA were denied as there was no factual basis to grant earlier effective dates prior to July 25, 2022.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and anxiety, finding that there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disability.

The Board has restored the July 19, 2023 effective date for a 100 percent evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder with panic attacks and major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate, with sleep disturbances. The Veteran's initial claim was granted in December 2021, but she requested an earlier effective date based on her May 25, 2021 Intent to File letter.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease, depression, urinary incontinence, and left knee disability are all granted as service-connected.,Reasons for granting include the Veteran's exposure to solvents during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, adjustment disorder with anxious mood, and major depressive disorder. The evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether these conditions began during active service.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is denied.,The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, PTSD, depression and insomnia, is dismissed as the benefit was already granted in a previous decision.