The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depression and dysthymic disorder, secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The evidence now shows a causal relationship between his depressive symptoms and his service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The newly provided medical evidence establishes that the Veteran's current depressive and dysthymic disorders are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depression, Dysthymic Disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- May 2, 2012
- Citation
- 1215766
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 1215766.
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.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Major Depression, and Panic Disorder due to his withdrawal of these issues prior to a decision being made.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depression and anxiety disorder are considered part of his service-connected peripheral neuropathy, which already qualifies him for SMC(l). Therefore, he is not eligible for a higher rate of SMC.
- Denied
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 70 percent. The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with major depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant.
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