Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since May 24, 2024. The rating is denied as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric condition and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not cause the level of impairment required for a disability rating of 70 percent or higher, and concluded that he does not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, finding that his symptoms did not warrant such an increase.

The Veteran's delusional disorder with unspecified depressive disorder is granted as part of his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The evidence supports the Veteran's contention that his PTSD caused his current mental health conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied, and some issues were remanded. The Veteran was not granted higher ratings for his TBI with depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, or tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic nephropathy is dismissed as the kidney condition has already been granted.,Service connection for hypothyroidism was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder was denied. The Board found that the severity of his symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation or service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis are granted service connection, while the claim for a higher rating for her depressive disorder is denied.

The claims for PTSD, Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders have been diagnosed multiple times, including during service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder unspecified to include adjustment disorder with depression has been rated at 50 percent since April 10, 2024. The Board is remanding the case for further development and consideration of a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claimed disabilities, as well as errors in the pre-decisional duty to assist.

The Board has determined that the eligibility determination for PCAFC benefits and the Level Two stipend application are not in compliance with statutory requirements, and thus both issues have been remanded to provide proper notice.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral foot disability and acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence, including conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and opinion provided were inadequate for review, as they did not address whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service. The case is being remanded to provide an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of May 4, 2023 for the service connection of depressive disorder. The appellant's attorney requested this date based on their intent to file a claim on December 19, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70% rating for major depressive disorder is denied. The effective date will be the date of receipt of the claim, December 17, 2021.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD symptoms have resulted in total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating from September 28, 2017.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder with mild depression, are found to be related to service. However, there is no current diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).