Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's attempts to appeal the denial of service connection for bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression were not timely filed. The Board dismissed the appeals as the Veteran did not provide good cause for filing late.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and left foot plantar fasciitis have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 70 percent or higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder caused significant occupational and social impairment, but not total impairment. The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent prior to September 26, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected persistent depressive disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, effective September 11, 2019. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms most closely approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and evaluations, particularly regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to perform daily activities. The issues of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status, financial assistance in purchasing specially adapted housing, and financial assistance in special home adaptations are also being addressed.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the duty to assist error and obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension disability was at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and tinnitus due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with other conditions like depression and insomnia, has resulted in total occupational and social impairment since February 9, 2021. The Board granted a rating of 100 percent for PTSD effective from that date.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder with depression, is found to be related to his military service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his depressive disorder was the initial decision, and he is not eligible for attorney fees based on past due benefits awarded in the May 2024 rating decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ear hearing loss, generalized anxiety disorder, and a rating in excess of 50 percent for her depressive disorder. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran requires assistance with eating, dressing, hygiene needs, medication management, housekeeping, meal preparation, and laundry.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder has been granted, while his claims for left wrist pain, fibromyalgia, IBS, and CFS have all been denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder prior to January 15, 2024 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board denied a higher rating as the severity of symptoms did not warrant a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether his surgeries and post-surgical care resulted in additional disabilities, as well as an evaluation of fault on VA's part.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed as untimely.,Service connection for PTSD has not been established.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder is granted. The claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee instability, PTSD, MDD, GAD, migraines, panic disorder, and latrophobia have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.,The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of left knee instability or PTSD. The Veteran's mental health conditions are currently diagnosed but further examination and opinion are needed.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 100 percent, which means she qualifies for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.