The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder with anxious distress, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The claims for onychomycosis and tinea pedis, right gastrocnemius tear, right shoulder pain, and TMJ joint pain and dysfunction were remanded.
The deciding factor: The private medical opinion provided by M.H., a licensed psychologist, supported the connection between the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and his service. The VA examiner's opinion was not persuasive due to lack of objectivity and failure to address the credibility of the Veteran's assertions regarding the etiology and continuity of his psychiatric symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, Onychomycosis and tinea pedis of the right foot, Right gastrocnemius tear, Right shoulder pain, Temporomandibular (TMJ) joint pain and dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- December 10, 2025
- Citation
- A25106345
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