The Board has determined that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder is at least as likely as not related to his military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The claim for increased rating of left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve remains pending.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's current depression is more likely than not related to his military service, including an episode in New Orleans where he experienced suicidal thoughts and was treated by military counselors.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (Major Depressive Disorder)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 16, 2018
- Citation
- 1809478
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 1809478.
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder was denied, but he was granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder on the basis that it is secondary to his service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent prior to May 6, 2022 and 50 percent beginning on that date. The Veteran is granted service connection for major depressive disorder and secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.,Service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II remains pending as the claims are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has withdrawn the claim for increased rating for erectile dysfunction and remanded the claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression) and coronary artery disease with angina. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and major depressive disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service.
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.