The Board has determined that there is sufficient new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for dysthymia. After considering all of the evidence, including a December 2010 VA psychiatrist's opinion, the Board finds that the Veteran's dysthymia had its onset during active service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there is clear and unmistakable evidence demonstrating that the Veteran's dysthymia existed prior to service but not aggravated by such service. However, a December 2010 VA psychiatrist provided an opinion stating that the pre-existing condition was significantly aggravated by military service due to trauma experienced during active duty.
- Claimed conditions
- dysthymia
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 29, 2013
- Citation
- 1339285
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 1339285.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for dysthymia due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for a new examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of recent VA examination, and it is recommended that the Veteran undergoes another examination to assess his current psychiatric disability.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymia, major depressive disorder, and PTSD, as of March 16, 2005. The decision is based on the evidence showing a formal diagnosis during active duty and consistent lay testimony.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, dysthymia, and anxious distress based on the Veteran's in-service combat-related stressors.
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