The Veteran's claim for major depressive disorder was granted as it is supported by medical evidence and the examiner's opinion.,The claim for lower back condition (claimed as a thoracic back condition) was denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.
The deciding factor: There is no clear evidence that the Veteran’s current lower back conditions are related to his military service, including any in-service injuries or stressors.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Major depressive disorder","diagnosis_date":null,"diagnosis_source":"VA examination"}, {"condition_name":"Lower back condition (claimed as a thoracic back condition)","diagnosis_date":null,"diagnosis_source":"VA examination"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20074003
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.
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The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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