The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including other specified trauma, a stressor related disorder, and major depressive disorder, is granted. The appeal regarding the initial rating in excess of 20 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist prior to February 16, 2017 and from April 1, 2017, as well as the initial rating in excess of 30 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome of right wrist prior to September 1, 2016 and from November 1, 2016, is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence established that the Veteran's psychiatric condition was related to service events, but there were conflicting opinions regarding the exact nature and timing of these events. The Board found in favor of the Veteran on the issue of service connection for his acquired psychiatric disorder due to the relative equipoise between the positive and negative evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- other specified trauma, stressor related disorder, major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 28, 2021
- Citation
- 21066169
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 21066169.
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 Veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing assistance and a special home adaptation grant was denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, should be remanded due to a failure to verify a stressor related to the death of his two best friends in Iraq. The AOJ needs to develop this stressor.
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