Depression decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for TBI residuals and depression, both secondary to Alzheimer's disease. The low back disability claim was denied, and the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss remains at a 30 percent rating.,Service connection is established for TBI residuals and depression due to their relationship with Alzheimer's disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring additional medical opinions on direct service connection and secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error regarding the service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's mental health history prior to service needs to be evaluated.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot issue a decision on the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's request for increased ratings for his right knee and hip disabilities, as well as a TDIU, was denied. The right knee rating is denied due to failure to report for a VA examination without good cause shown.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder (alcohol use disorder with major depressive disorder) did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the claim of service connection for headaches. The Veteran's supplemental claim is being remanded to allow for a VA examination and an updated opinion regarding the relationship between his headaches and his service-connected depressive disorder with anxious distress.

The Veteran requested to withdraw her appeal regarding the reduction of her disability rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder from 70 percent to 50 percent effective June 1, 2025. The Board has accepted this withdrawal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including somatic symptom disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, and panic disorder, is granted as secondary to service-connected right knee conditions.,The Veteran's urinary tract condition, specifically irritative voiding symptoms, is remanded for further development due to the need for a medical opinion regarding its relationship to his service-connected acquired psychiatric condition, right knee condition, and/or low back condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding service connection for major depression and PTSD, so these claims are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for unspecified thyroid disorder, depression, and obesity due to in-service diagnosis of unspecified disorder of the thyroid. The earlier effective date claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is rated at 100 percent, the highest rating available, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic features and anxious distress was determined to have its onset during service. The Board granted the claim for service connection based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further review of his claims, including a rating adjustment and effective date determination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of sufficient medical evidence to determine if the Veteran's cause of death is related to service. The claim will be returned for further investigation and an opinion from a VA clinician.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for service connection of peripheral vestibular disorder with dizziness/vertigo, depressive disorder, left knee degenerative arthritis, and right knee degenerative arthritis all from July 4, 2023.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that this rating is not sufficient to reflect his current level of disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in providing necessary assistance and for obtaining verification of stressors related to the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right ankle disability, bilateral foot pain, bone fracture, and an acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD, anxiety, and depression has been dismissed due to the concurrent election issue. The claims for headaches and hypertension are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression was granted. The claim for a low back disability was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with UDD, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and right knee disabilities are now rated at their maximum levels. Effective dates for the increased ratings have been set based on the date of receipt of claims.