The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression not otherwise specified and gastrointestinal disability (including IBS) to include as secondary to psychiatric disability is granted. The Board found that the evidence was at least evenly balanced as to whether the current psychiatric disability had its onset in service, thus granting service connection.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran's reports of continuous psychiatric symptoms since service were credible and consistent with the evidence of record, leading to a finding that the current depression NOS likely began during active service. The gastrointestinal disability was not diagnosed as PTSD but is related to the now granted service-connected psychiatric disability.
- Claimed conditions
- depression not otherwise specified, gastrointestinal disability (including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS))
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 13, 2019
- Citation
- 19111493
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,604 · Granted: 65% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19111493.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, and will reconsider the claim based on new service records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is being evaluated for its relationship to active service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including requesting an updated VA Form 21-8940. The matter will be readjudicated in conjunction with their appeal for an increased initial rating for depression and panic disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and panic disorder, is rated at 50 percent. The Board has ordered a remand for further examination to determine if the combined effect of his service-connected conditions prevents him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression not otherwise specified was granted. The claims for service connection for congestive heart failure with hypertension and diabetes mellitus were denied, while the liver disability (to include hepatitis C) claim is pending and will be remanded.
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