BVA Case 220615-252249: Depression
BVAReal Board of Veterans' Appeals decision · August 25, 2025 · GAYLE STROMMEN
Conditions Claimed
DepressionAnxietyPsychiatricBackCervicalKneeHearing LossSleep ApneaShoulderHip
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Issues on Appeal
DepressionAnxietyPsychiatricBackCervicalKneeHearing LossSleep Apnea
Why It Was Decided This Way
e present disability and the disease or injury incurred or aggravated during service-the so-called "nexus" requirement.
? The VA has a duty to assist the Veteran in obtaining a medical examination or opinion in certain circumstances.
Furthermore, the Board finds no reason to doubt the credibility of these statements, as military records reveal that his military occupational specialty (MOS) was infantryman.
The remaining question is whether there is a nexus between the Veteran's in-service incurrence and his current hearing loss.
Against a finding of a nexus, a VA examiner noted in October 2018 that the Veteran did not have a separation examination.
In favor of a nexus, a private clinician noted in February 2022 that the Veteran reported experiencing progressive bilateral hearing loss from the time of service.
The Board finds both opinions are equally probative as to a nexus.
Resolving any reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board finds that a nexus between the Veteran's hearing loss of the right ear and in-service noise exposure has been established.
Authorities Cited
Regulations Cited (38 CFR / 38 USC)
Denial Type
Credibility|No Nexus|Preponderance Against|Duty To Assist
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