The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, is granted service connection. The Board found that the current diagnosis of major depressive disorder was at least as likely as not related to his military service.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder had been aggravated beyond its natural progression during service and was related to his pre-existing condition of seasonal affective disorder, which existed prior to service.
- Claimed conditions
- unspecified major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19182795
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.
- Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for unspecified major depressive disorder, finding that the September 2012 rating decision became final and no new evidence or intent to file a claim was received within one year prior to July 11, 2015.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of medical opinions regarding all acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran should be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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