The Board denied an effective date earlier than January 4, 2023, for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for the service-connected major depressive disorder with insomnia disorder.
The deciding factor: There was no factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to the Veteran's January 4, 2023, claim, and he did not submit new and relevant evidence with his claim.
- Claimed conditions
- major depressive disorder with insomnia disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 3, 2025
- Citation
- A25057749
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.
- Denied
The Board denied an initial evaluation greater than 50 percent for major depressive disorder with insomnia disorder, finding the Veteran's symptoms were adequately represented by a 50 percent rating.
- Granted
The Board granted an initial 100 percent rating for the Veteran's psychiatric disability, finding that the symptoms reported in the April 2023 VA examination report have been present throughout the entire period on appeal.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, bilateral pes planus, chronic left costochondritis, left hip strain, left wrist strain, right wrist strain, and major depressive disorder with insomnia disorder. The appeal was denied for bilateral hearing loss, migraine, thoracolumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The character of discharge from service was not a bar to VA compensation benefits.
- Dismissed
The appeal of the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was dismissed due to the Veteran's passing.
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