The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service or any service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence, including the August 2009 VA examination and September 2014 VA examination, indicates that the Veteran's current depression began around 2002 due to stressors unrelated to his military service. The examiner at the September 2014 VA examination concluded that the Veteran's current depression is less likely as not related to any service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (Major Depressive Disorder, Chronic, Moderate without Psychosis)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 21, 2016
- Citation
- 1636957
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 1636957.
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
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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