The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and cannabis dependence (in remission) associated with lumbosacral strain, with degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome was denied as there is no objective evidence that a formal or informal claim seeking this benefit was received by VA prior to November 29, 2011.
The deciding factor: The effective date for service connection cannot be earlier than the date on which entitlement arose (November 10, 2010), but not before the date of receipt of the Veteran's claim (November 29, 2011).
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Anxiety disorder, Cannabis dependence (in remission), Lumbosacral strain, Degenerative arthritis of the spine, Intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 12, 2016
- Citation
- 1640388
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 1640388.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, as secondary to his already service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his in-service harassment. Service connection was denied for a binge eating disorder as there is no evidence of such a condition.
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