The Board denied an effective date earlier than July 30, 2019, for a 50 percent rating and a rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder from July 30, 2019, through February 22, 2022.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support an earlier effective date or a higher rating as the Veteran's symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity until after July 30, 2019.
- Claimed conditions
- major depressive disorder (claimed as PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 4, 2025
- Citation
- A25031433
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an increased rating of 100 percent for the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder (claimed as PTSD), effective January 28, 2021.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.