Depression decisions — 2026

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and therefore service connection is denied. The claims for back condition, neck condition, right shoulder condition, and thoracic outlet syndrome are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unemployable, but an award of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is not for assignment due to the presence of other service-connected conditions. Therefore, entitlement to a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate due to having a single disability rated as 100% and additional disabilities independently rated at 60% or more, effective February 16, 2024.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hearing loss, auditory processing disorder, and depression and anxiety due to potential inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection claims and rating issues.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment due to lack of loss or permanent use of limbs, vision impairment, severe burn injury, ALS, or ankylosis of joints.

The Veteran was granted a 50% rating for migraine headaches effective October 7, 2019. He also received TDIU and earlier DEA eligibility.,His service-connected depressive disorder and anxiety disorder prevented him from working.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring a new VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's appeal for a separate compensable evaluation for his psychiatric disability prior to October 23, 2008 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) effective April 1, 1999.

The Veteran's other specified depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective December 15, 2022. The Board has remanded the case for further review.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on her symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of September 12, 2023 for a rating of 70 percent for persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) with intermittent major depressive episodes and insomnia has been granted. The readjudication of the TDIU prior to January 30, 2025 is pending.

The Veteran's depression, generalized anxiety and insomnia were granted service connection as a direct result of her service. The right ankle sprain was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service. Hypertension and hypothyroidism are both remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's MDD is rated at 50 percent since June 1, 2024. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating.,New and relevant evidence has been received for the claim of service connection for urinary incontinence. This claim will be readjudicated.

The Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to errors in the May 2020 decision. The Board found that the Veteran has been in need of personal care services for at least six continuous months due to a need for supervision or protection based on his psychiatric disorder, but did not determine if it is in his best interest to participate in the program.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Hepatitis C, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly adjudicate the claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and addressing service connection under TERA. The cause of death was attributed to cardiovascular disease, but there are uncertainties regarding the Veteran's lung cancer status and potential service-connected causes.

The Veteran's PTSD is remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it can be distinguished from his service-connected persistent depressive disorder. The examiner must also provide an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for depression and anxiety as there was a duty to assist error in obtaining medical opinions related to these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to pre-decisional errors and insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and insomnia disorder.