An effective date earlier than May 31, 2023, for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate, with anxious distress is granted. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating for the mental health disability prior to January 11, 2024, is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claim was pending due to new and relevant evidence received within one year after the December 2009 decision denying service connection for her mental health disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate, with anxious distress
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 29, 2026
- Citation
- A26008839
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 A26008839.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate, with anxious distress. The claim for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae of the face was denied.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate, with anxious distress, as the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder, but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
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