Depression decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the case due to issues including service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, increased rating for left knee disability, entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) based on left knee disability, and entitlement to Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted a 70 percent rating effective from November 28, 2025. The claim for a higher rating prior to that date is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability was increased to a 70% rating effective July 22, 2024. The Appellant is eligible for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the November 2024 rating decision due to continuous pursuit of claims.

The Veteran's appeal for additional SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities other than glaucoma and blindness is denied. The Board found that his disabilities, including depressive disorder, peripheral vestibular disorder (vertigo), tinnitus, and chronic otitis externa, do not independently meet the criteria for regular need of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's GERD is due to his service-connected MDD and OSA, and the Board has granted secondary service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal seeking service connection for cervicalgia/neck strain and depression was dismissed as he did not submit a Notice of Disagreement in response to the previous denial.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) based on permanent and total disability status are granted, effective April 11, 2022.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension due to duty-to-assist errors, inadequate VA examinations, and PACT Act requirements.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in decision-making prior to the December 2019 rating decision, and a new addendum medical opinion is needed to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorders (including PTSD) are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during service or were related to any in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for depressive disorder with anxious distress and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The appellant's community care records from July 2024 need to be obtained and associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder, left knee disability, and left eye cortical cataract, have resulted in a combined rating of 80 percent. The appeal is granted as the Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date than October 5, 2020, for service connection of persistent depressive disorder. The decision is based on the final denial in May 2019 and the acceptance of a new claim by VA on October 5, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's in-service mental stress related to his military service is noted as a possible etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, migraine headaches, and OSA are all granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorder. The rating assigned is a 100 percent initial rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and MDD, is found to be related to service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress has been granted a rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the claim filed on August 13, 2016. The decision also addressed an earlier effective date for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia disorder, other specified depression, and TBI have been granted. The appeal is dismissed as the claim is moot since he is already service connected for these conditions. His increased rating claim for nutritional deficiency is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are causally linked to his military service.