The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ADHD and persistent depressive disorder, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation of his pre-existing ADHD during service and insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between his current depression and military service.
The deciding factor: The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence showing that the Veteran's ADHD did not increase in severity beyond its natural progression during service. For persistent depressive disorder, the Board concluded there was no indication of onset or etiology related to service based on the lack of relevant symptoms reported during service and conflicting opinions from different medical providers.
- Claimed conditions
- persistent depressive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 1, 2019
- Citation
- 19175626
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 was awarded service connection for allergic rhinitis based on the PACT Act, but an earlier effective date prior to August 10, 2022, is not warranted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks and persistent depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's mental health difficulties began during active service.
- Dismissed
The appeals for service connection for tinnitus, persistent depressive disorder as secondary to tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are dismissed due to mootness.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a supplemental medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's knee and ankle disabilities without medication, as well as an opinion on the etiology of his psychiatric conditions.
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.