BVA Case 230405-336506: Depression
BVAReal Board of Veterans' Appeals decision · October 7, 2025 · R. Bisignani
Conditions Claimed
DepressionAnxietyPsychiatricBackCervicalKneeShoulderHipSkinRespiratory
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
DepressionAnxietyPsychiatricBackCervicalKneeShoulderHip
Why It Was Decided This Way
The Board must assess the credibility and weight of all the evidence, including the medical evidence, to determine its probative value, accounting for the evidence which it finds to be persuasive or unpersuasive, and providing reasons for rejecting any evidence favorable to the claimant.
When there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding any issue material to the determination of a matter, the Secretary shall give the benefit of the doubt to the claimant.
In reaching these conclusions, the Board has considered the applicability of the benefit of the doubt doctrine.
Noting that this examination appears to be based on adequate examination and that it is uncontradicted by other medical evidence, the Board finds this examination adequate for rating purposes and assigns it high probative weight.
In making these findings, the Board has considered the applicability of the benefit of the doubt doctrine.
With respect to the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy, the Board finds this examination adequate for rating purposes and assigns it high probative weight, noting that it is not contradicted by any other evidence of record and appears to consist of an adequate examination of the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy symptoms.
To the extent these determinations are not a grant in full of the benefits sought, the Board has considered the applicability of the benefit of the doubt doctrine.
To the extent this decision overall is not a grant in full of the benefits sought, the Board has considered the applicability of the benefit of the doubt doctrine.
Authorities Cited
Regulations Cited (38 CFR / 38 USC)
Denial Type
Credibility|No Nexus|Duty To Assist
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