Depression decisions — 2026

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his service-connected disabilities and need for personal care services. However, further evaluation is needed to determine if it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the program.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 30, 2008, for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and depressive disorder not otherwise specified) and a low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as it is caused by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his back and knee conditions.

Service connection for ED was granted with an effective date of May 17, 2021.,Service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied prior to January 20, 2022.,Service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was granted with an effective date of January 5, 2024.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus were not granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities.,Service connection for kidney disability was denied.,Service connection for OSA was granted.,Service connection for PTSD was denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include MDD and anxiety was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD, unspecified depression with anxious distress and alcohol use disorder, and migraine headaches due to conflicting evidence regarding a diagnosis of PTSD. Additional development is needed to address these issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his current depressive and anxiety disorders are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected orthopedic disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, are granted service connection. An earlier effective date of September 14, 2019 is granted for a 30% rating for migraine headaches.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically his claimed PTSD. The VA examination provided by the examiner is deemed inadequate and requires further clarification.

The Veteran's application for enrollment in the PCAFC is denied because his serious injury occurred after May 7, 1975 and before September 11, 2001. The application was filed before October 1, 2022, which is when VA regulations require a denial of such applications.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of PTSD as there is no remaining controversy, as the Veteran was already compensated for his psychiatric symptoms through the award of service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's in-service drug use misconduct was willful and persistent, but there were compelling circumstances mitigating this misconduct. As a result, service connection for PTSD is granted for compensation purposes.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder, is currently rated at 70 percent. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of major depressive disorder was granted with a 70% disability rating effective September 19, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 70 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder, is granted effective June 16, 2020. The appeal does not address service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for keratoconus, depression, and sleep apnea have been readjudicated. The claim of service connection for keratoconus is granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and sleep apnea are remanded to the AOJ for further review.

The Veteran's service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II associated with herbicide exposure is granted. The claim of an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD to include major depressive disorder moderate and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as entitlements for left inguinal herniorrhaphy and left inguinal hernia scar are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of May 20, 1987 for the award of service connection for PTSD with depression is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of entitlement to a higher initial rating for PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with depression, is granted service connection. However, his bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder. The claims for discoid lupus, malabsorption disorder, Sjogren's syndrome, and low back disability are remanded due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.