The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression, has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-V criteria and concluded that his depression is less likely than not due to service-connected conditions. For TDIU, as the Veteran is not service-connected for any disabilities, he does not meet the schedular criteria.
The deciding factor: The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) under DSM-V criteria and concluded that the Veteran's depression was less likely than not due to service-connected conditions. The Veteran also did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU as he is not service-connected for any disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19149560
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple myeloma, back disability (secondary to multiple myeloma), and depression, with an effective date of January 26, 2021. The decision also remanded claims related to breast cancer, DEA benefits, and initial ratings.
- Denied
The veteran's bad conduct discharge precludes eligibility for VA benefits, including compensation and healthcare.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and personality disorder, due to the need for further development of the record.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the Appellant during its pendency.
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