Depression decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for stroke, depression, memory loss, and chronic headaches due to pre-existing duty to assist errors. The Veteran's claims are not yet fully adjudicated.

The Board has determined that the VA SMC A&A examination and medical opinions are inadequate for adjudicatory purposes. The Veteran's claim is being remanded to obtain a new VA SMC A&A examination and medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and other conditions, caused or contributed to his cause of death by suicide. The decision grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error in failing to obtain an adequate VA examination. The Veteran's conditions are related to his military service, but further medical opinion is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence, including testimony from a June 2024 Board hearing. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for persistent depressive disorder prior to September 19, 2014 is denied. The claim for a higher evaluation of 100 percent for persistent depressive disorder is also denied.

The Veteran's service connection for psychiatric disability and left knee disorder is granted, with an effective date of March 30, 2021.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected post-operative hemicolectomy for appendicitis with abscess and abdominal scars have caused or aggravated his acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, anxiety, depression, or any other mood disorder).

The Veteran's depression claim was denied, the reduction in his hypertension evaluation from 10 percent to noncompensable was restored, and he received a 30 percent evaluation for GERD.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to verify an in-service stressor related to tagging body bags of soldiers sent back from Vietnam. The Veteran's service connection claim for acquired psychiatric disorders is being reconsidered.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected hypertension, allergic rhinitis, major depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, and bilateral sciatic nerve radiculopathy. The earlier effective dates and increased ratings for service-connected hypertension and major depressive disorder have been dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression was denied.,The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for hyperhidrosis is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for lung cancer, depression, and right shoulder condition were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection for any of these conditions.,No VA examination was conducted in this case.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 50 percent rating from September 3, 2019 to January 15, 2020. A higher rating than 50 percent for any time during the period on appeal is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The evidence does not support a finding that any current mental health condition is related to active duty.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, is rated at 70% after January 1, 2022. His hypertension is rated at 10%. The bilateral shoulder pain/neuropathy is granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder has been granted, with an effective date of December 4, 2023. The disability is rated at 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a Total Disability Rating Based on Unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 16, 2021, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantial gainful employment during those periods.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. The VA will obtain another examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for major depressive disorder and lumbosacral strain was denied, with the psychiatric disorder receiving a maximum rating of 70% effective August 24, 2021.,A TDIU based on all service-connected disorders was granted effective January 16, 2018. The Veteran's claim for SMC remains pending.