Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Granted

The Board has granted service connection for major depression, finding that the Veteran's first episode of major depression occurred during his active duty service. The claim is reopened and granted.

The deciding factor: A November 2007 VA psychiatrist concluded that the Veteran's first episode of major depression was in November 1956 when he was hospitalized at Letterman Army Hospital, resolving all benefit of doubt in favor of the Veteran.

Claimed conditions
Major Depression
How they argued it
Reopened with new and material evidence
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
May 20, 2011
Citation
1119527

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 1119527.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.