The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied in October 1973 and March 1993. The Board found that the service personnel records obtained in June 2010, which showed the Veteran had numerous behavioral problems during service including going AWOL, constituted relevant official service department records not previously considered when deciding his original claim. Therefore, an effective date of May 4, 1973 is granted for the award of service connection for depression.
The deciding factor: The newly obtained service personnel records showed that the Veteran had numerous behavioral problems during service and provided a medical opinion indicating he became clinically depressed due to situational stress from incarceration and pending court martial. As his original claim was submitted within one year of separation, an effective date of May 4, 1973 is granted.
- Claimed conditions
- Depression
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 30, 2014
- Citation
- 1404205
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 1404205.
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 remanded the case due to insufficient findings regarding PTSD and depression, requiring a new VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in the AOJ's handling of the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder, and depression. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's claimed stressor and obtain medical opinions regarding the diagnoses and their relation to service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and Depression as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's active military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements and medical records are considered in determining whether there is a nexus between current symptoms and service.
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