Depression decisions — 2026

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied. The claims for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea, and left knee strain are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's other specified depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but no higher, for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal to establish a timely substantive appeal was not received by VA when he filed an October 2019 Notice of Disagreement. The Board is remanding the case for scheduling a DRO review hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted, and he is assigned a 70 percent rating effective July 15, 2019. The claim for depression as a manifestation of PTSD is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of 30 percent for major depressive disorder with narcolepsy has been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of functional impairment. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if any service-connected disability results in loss of use of both lower extremities, one lower extremity and one upper extremity, or residuals affecting balance and propulsion.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease and related disabilities have rendered him unable to live independently, requiring regular aid and assistance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from May 6, 2023.

The Veteran's claims for migraine headaches, right knee condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The AOJ will now consider this claim on its merits.

A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted, effective February 28, 2020. The Veteran's existing service-connected anxiety and depression are rated at 50 and 30 percent respectively.

A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted, effective February 28, 2020. The Veteran's existing service-connected anxiety and depression are rated at 50 and 30 percent respectively.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, is the result of active service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a 50 percent rating for major depressive disorder prior to September 6, 2016 was denied as the evidence did not show symptoms that met the criteria for such a rating.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder of unspecified depression, but denied service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms of anxiety and depression are considered to have begun during service and continued since then.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and cocaine use disorder due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his depressive disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied as the November 2024 rating decision was not adjudicating previously pursued claims.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a sleep disturbance, finding that there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder is granted at a 70 percent rating effective March 1, 2022. The issues of service connection for vertigo and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress and intermittent major depressive episodes, as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.