Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for multiple sclerosis with depressive disorder and insomnia is denied. The claims for increased evaluations of right lower extremity muscle weakness (prior to December 11, 2020) and left lower extremity muscle weakness (prior to December 11, 2020) are also denied.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was not incurred as a result of in-service disease or injury.,Service connection for PTSD and depression is granted, with the diagnosis linked to military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted from November 7, 2019, due to the service-connected disabilities including PTSD with major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD prior to January 17, 2023, is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The VA examiner found that his PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity but did not approximate deficiencies in most areas or total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be at least as likely as not related to his active duty service, and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder NOS, depression, and PTSD. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or are related to his active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion and failure to provide proper notice of the decision.

The Veteran's need for supervision, protection, or instruction on a continuous basis due to his service-connected disabilities has been determined, granting him an increased Level 2 stipend under the PCAFC program.

The Veteran's initial increased rating claim for major depressive disorder was denied, and the right forearm condition issue is remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder increased in severity within one year prior to June 8, 2022, warranting a 70% rating effective from that date.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation of 100 percent for a psychiatric disorder, which includes Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with Major Depressive Disorder (recurrent/moderate) and unspecified Personality Disorder, has been granted. The rating is effective March 7, 2018.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder is rated at 70 percent since January 19, 2022. The effective date for this rating remains pending as the appeal pertains to service connection rather than a change in disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder has been rated at 50% since February 28, 2022. The Board granted an earlier effective date of that date for the increased rating.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased evaluations and TDIU due to the maximum schedular ratings already assigned, but a separate rating of 30 percent for BPPV was granted. The Veteran is found unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The claims for service connection have not been decided.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD. The decision finds that there is a balance of evidence in favor of the Veteran's claims, with his current diagnoses supported by medical records and testimony, and his service-connected enuresis leading to harassment and suicide attempts being related to his current mental health conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition is remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his left shoulder conditions, which may affect his rating.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Rating Mental Disorders. The appeal is denied as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent from July 12, 2023, to April 16, 2024. The Board denied an earlier effective date for the 70 percent disability rating.