The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, is granted. The Board finds that the current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder is related to his active military service.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran’s current depression condition began in or was exacerbated by military service, with symptoms dating back to Basic Training and possibly pre-existing auditory hallucinations noted prior to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Bilateral pes planus, Tinea pedis (athlete's foot), Pseudofolliculitis barbae
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20068400
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.
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The Board granted earlier effective dates of November 5, 2021, for the grants of service connection and eligibility for DEA benefits.
- Granted
The Board granted initial ratings of 40 percent for lumbar spine disorder, 70 percent for major depressive disorder, and 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy. TDIU and SMC based on housebound status were also granted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, currently diagnosed as other specified trauma and stressor related disorder and major depressive disorder.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) but denied service connection for PTSD and a higher rating for the unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder/major depressive disorder/insomnia.
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