Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of prostate cancer alone, combined with other disabilities rated at least 60 percent, meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate. The decision grants SMC based on TDIU being warranted due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and will consider evidence not previously considered in its decision.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to Persistent Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress, Left Ulnar Nerve Neuropathy Status Post Ulnar Nerve Release, and Lumbosacral Strain. The private examiner's opinion supports the conclusion that obesity is an intermediate step between these service-connected conditions and the Veteran's current OSA.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and neurocognitive disorder was evaluated at various levels of disability from October 21, 2010 to September 9, 2020. The evaluation ranged from 30% to 70%, but no higher.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and major depressive disorder render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his mental incapacity, which requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect him from the hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood to include insomnia is granted at a 50 percent disability rating from August 23, 2024. The appeal for an increased rating prior to this date is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that he submitted an intent to file within one year before his September 2, 2023, Supplemental Claim.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder due to chronic pain syndrome with major depressive-like episode on a secondary basis to the Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical examination and opinion, as well as unclear diagnoses. The Veteran's claim for service connection is being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to duty-to-assist errors, including failing to attempt to corroborate the Veteran's in-service stressors and obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding her psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his depressive disorder and anxiety disorder was denied because the evidence did not clearly and unmistakably warrant a 70% disability rating, despite meeting criteria for such.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates related to service connection and increased ratings have been denied as the earliest date of receipt of claim is January 24, 2023.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is not eligible for enrollment in the PCAFC program due to a lack of personal care services. The decision must be remanded to provide a more detailed and thoroughly explained medical opinion, including consideration of the Veteran's reported needs.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is found to have resulted from events during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to service-connected chronic PTSD with recurrent major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder or in-service toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs). The Veteran must be provided a VA medical opinion to clarify the etiology of his OSA.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective October 21, 2020.,Claims for earlier effective dates for the assignment of 20 percent ratings for IVDS and left lower extremity radiculopathy are denied.,Entitlement to an earlier effective date of service connection for MDD is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for an increased rating for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder with PTSD, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of diagnosis and failed to meet the criteria for service connection as per DSM-5.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of June 24, 2024. The Board found that the earliest communication indicating intent to apply for service connection was on June 24, 2024, and as such, this date is considered the effective date.

An earlier effective date of February 2, 2023, for a 70 percent rating for Major Depressive Disorder with anxious distress is granted.,An earlier effective date of February 2, 2023, for service connection for Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is granted.