Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 70 percent disabling. The Board has granted a 100 percent rating, finding that the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximate those of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) effective February 26, 2020. The Veteran originally filed a claim in January 2016 but did not appeal the denial of that claim. He then filed another claim on February 26, 2020, and was granted service connection for MDD at that time.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are rated at 100 percent effective from May 31, 2021.

The Veteran's initial claim for a 50 percent evaluation for panic disorder with major depression prior to November 8, 2023 is granted. The appeal for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent from that date is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD, is at least as likely as not related to in-service stressors including witnessing a violent assault and being assaulted by a fellow service member. As such, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, insomnia, and depression due to lack of new and relevant evidence. The Veteran did not submit any new evidence that would support readjudicating these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, is service-connected.,The Veteran's chronic gastritis is service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral ankle degenerative joint disease is service-connected.,The Veteran's cervical spine condition to include strain and pain is service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral hip degenerative joint disease is service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral foot degenerative joint disease is service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral shoulder degenerative joint disease is service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral knee degenerative joint disease is service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for any of the claimed conditions and thus, service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for both Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), including MDD as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is related to traumatic events during service, while his MDD is linked to his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 100% effective May 23, 2024, due to significant impairment. The Board found no earlier effective date is warranted as the evidence does not support a prior onset of disability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial 50 percent rating for Major Depressive Disorder is granted, effective January 11, 2012. The appeal regarding the effective date of service connection for MDD is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with depression is related to military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date of January 17, 2025, for his PTSD with major depressive disorder and insomnia disorder rating has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's motion to revise an August 2009 rating decision denying service connection for alcoholism (also claimed as depression) on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE), finding no CUE in the original decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD with depression and anxiety, bilateral carpal tunnel, lower back injury strain, and cervical spine injury strain as there is no persuasive evidence that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, which grants entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at a housebound rate is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left and right knee conditions are granted service connection as they first manifested in service.,Service connection for PTSD is denied, but the Veteran has been granted service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder, other specified depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder is rated at 100 percent disabling since May 8, 2022.