The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder was not incurred in or related to his active service, and is not proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected right middle finger osteoarthritis.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's depression was less likely than not aggravated by his service-connected disability due to significant life stressors coinciding with his symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- major depressive episode
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 15, 2017
- Citation
- 1707779
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 1707779.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA did not obtain a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, specifically schizophrenia disorder, depressive type, with histories of schizophrenia, major depressive episode, and PTSD. The case is being remanded to ensure an adequate opinion is provided.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection and an earlier effective date have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all claims.
- Granted
Service connection has been granted for major depressive disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder including pervasive depressive disorder with anxious distress, major depressive episode, severe, with psychotic features, and alcohol use disorder in remission.,The Veteran's antipsychotic-induced movement disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, and hypertension have also been granted service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous directives and the need for additional evidence, including VA treatment records and a mental disorders examination.
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