The claim of entitlement to service connection for major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the condition is already in effect.,Service connection is granted for hypertension, with a current diagnosis and continuity of symptomatology since service.
The deciding factor: Major Depressive Disorder was not shown in service, but is already in effect. Hypertension was noted during service and there is continuity of symptoms from service to the present.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Hypertension, Orthostatic Hypotension (claimed as dizziness with loss of balance), Heart Condition, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Memory Loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21042582
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21042582.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
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