{"page":"https://casescribe.ai/explorer/conditions/unspecified-depressive-disorder","generated_at":"2026-10-03T18:34:09.785Z","data_as_of":{"decisions":944125,"first_year":2017,"last_year":2026,"latest_decision":"2026-04-30","cfr":"2026-10-01","m21":"2026-09-29"},"about":{"publisher":"CaseScribe AI (VA Law Explorer)","source":"Public Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions (appeals of VA decisions, not VA's first decisions), M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, 38 CFR Parts 3 and 4.","method":"Outcomes are issue-level: each condition the Board decided in a decision counts once. Decision data is extracted by AI and can contain errors. Rates describe past appeals and do not predict any claim.","disclaimer":"For research only. CaseScribe AI is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Verify figures against the source decisions and regulations.","attribution":"Cite as: VA Law Explorer, CaseScribe AI, with the page URL."},"data":{"condition":"Unspecified depressive disorder","all_conditions_granted_pct":19.4,"decisions":504,"years":"2017-2026","granted_pct":37.7,"denied_pct":43.3,"remanded_pct":19.8,"granted_on_merits_pct":46.6,"by_year":[{"year":2019,"issues":32,"granted_pct":25,"denied_pct":40.6,"remanded_pct":31.3},{"year":2020,"issues":49,"granted_pct":38.8,"denied_pct":34.7,"remanded_pct":22.4},{"year":2021,"issues":49,"granted_pct":22.4,"denied_pct":49,"remanded_pct":28.6},{"year":2022,"issues":57,"granted_pct":36.8,"denied_pct":36.8,"remanded_pct":22.8},{"year":2023,"issues":71,"granted_pct":35.2,"denied_pct":45.1,"remanded_pct":18.3},{"year":2024,"issues":92,"granted_pct":32.6,"denied_pct":54.3,"remanded_pct":12},{"year":2025,"issues":126,"granted_pct":46,"denied_pct":36.5,"remanded_pct":16.7},{"year":2026,"issues":48,"granted_pct":37.5,"denied_pct":41.7,"remanded_pct":18.8}],"benefit_of_doubt_in_grants_pct":71.6,"evidence_on_merits":[{"evidence":"va_exam_favorable","decisions_with":70,"granted_pct_with":68.9,"granted_pct_without":42.7},{"evidence":"va_exam_unfavorable","decisions_with":464,"granted_pct_with":44.7,"granted_pct_without":70},{"evidence":"nexus_positive","decisions_with":95,"granted_pct_with":73.8,"granted_pct_without":39.5},{"evidence":"nexus_negative","decisions_with":235,"granted_pct_with":39,"granted_pct_without":51.6},{"evidence":"private_opinion","decisions_with":214,"granted_pct_with":53.3,"granted_pct_without":40.2},{"evidence":"treating_physician","decisions_with":47,"granted_pct_with":43.9,"granted_pct_without":46.9},{"evidence":"lay_statement","decisions_with":461,"granted_pct_with":45.6,"granted_pct_without":63.6}],"top_reasons":{"granted":[{"reason":"symptoms approximated 70% rating criteria","decisions":3},{"reason":"occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity","decisions":3},{"reason":"aggravated by the service-connected disability","decisions":3},{"reason":"suicidal ideation present","decisions":3},{"reason":"symptoms approximated 70% criteria","decisions":3},{"reason":"symptoms approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas","decisions":3}],"denied":[{"reason":"va examiner: less likely than not related to service","decisions":15},{"reason":"preponderance of the evidence against the claim","decisions":14},{"reason":"symptoms did not meet criteria for 100% rating","decisions":8},{"reason":"no in-service complaints, treatment or diagnosis","decisions":7},{"reason":"service records negative or silent","decisions":6},{"reason":"symptoms approximated 30% rating criteria","decisions":5}]},"recent_examples":{"granted":[{"case_id":"A26038451","year":2026,"judge":"T. REYNOLDS","rationale":"Veteran had qualifying in-service psychiatric symptoms (anxiety, depression).; Conflicting VA medical opinions: July 2021 (unfavorable) vs. July 2025 (favorable).; July 2025 opinion found more probative for addressing full history, lay testimony, and continuity.; Evidence in approximate balance; ben… [truncated, 105 chars omitted]"},{"case_id":"A26035708","year":2026,"judge":"B. MULLINS","rationale":"Reduction of rating was improper; AOJ failed to demonstrate material improvement; Reduction based on single examination, not entire record"},{"case_id":"A26034898","year":2026,"judge":"JOHN Z. JONES","rationale":"Evidence in approximate balance between 50% and 70% ratings; Benefit of the doubt applied to grant 70% rating; Symptoms characteristic of 70% rating (deficiencies in most areas) found to be more applicable than 50% rating (reduced reliability/productivity)"}],"denied":[{"case_id":"A26040354","year":2026,"judge":"L. B. CRYAN","rationale":"Symptoms align with 30% rating criteria (depressed mood, anxiety, sleep impairment, mild memory loss).; Veteran did not display symptoms for 50% rating (flattened affect, panic attacks, impaired memory/judgment).; Supported relationships and intact judgment/thinking despite subjective complaints."},{"case_id":"A26037862","year":2026,"judge":"M. C. WILSON","rationale":"Service treatment records silent for psychiatric complaints.; VA examinations provided negative nexus opinions.; Examiners found veteran did not meet DSM-5 criteria for PTSD.; Examiners found substance use disorders less likely than not related to in-service assault.; Board found VA opinions persuas… [truncated, 80 chars omitted]"},{"case_id":"A26037082","year":2026,"judge":"JENNIFER WHITE","rationale":"Veteran's statements regarding symptom onset and history varied.; Service records do not document in-service mental health treatment.; Veteran's claimed in-service stressors were inconsistent and not credible."}]},"how_va_rates":null,"rules":[]}}