The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder was denied, as the evidence did not show that his disability warranted a higher evaluation.,The effective date for service connection of depressive disorder was denied because it was granted on August 1, 2023, which is the earliest date he filed a fully developed claim.,The effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance eligibility was also denied as it was awarded on October 11, 2023, and not earlier than that date.,TDIU was denied because the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities alone precluded him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's depressive disorder has been manifested by occupational and social impairment in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood due to symptoms of near-continuous depression affecting his ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively, suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances including work or a work-like setting, and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. However, the evidence did not show that these symptoms warranted a higher rating than 70 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- January 15, 2026
- Citation
- A26004170
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26004170.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from August 3, 2021. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection (January 23, 2020), due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
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