The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and higher initial rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder with psychotic features is denied. The effective date cannot be prior to May 22, 2012 as the original claim was received on that date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not file a formal or informal claim for service connection before May 22, 2012, and thus no earlier effective date can be assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder with psychotic features
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- October 9, 2015
- Citation
- 1543537
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 1543537.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with psychotic features is granted a 100% disability rating from October 8, 2019 to September 12, 2021 due to persistent hallucinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the initial decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits was not properly notified and requires a new medical opinion to determine if the Veteran needs personal care services based on his conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with psychotic features resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic features, alcohol use disorder, unspecified cannabis use disorder, and stimulant use disorder but denied an increased rating for right ankle fracture residuals and osteoarthritis. The claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and migraines were remanded.
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.