Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Whole decision: Denied

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for myoclonic jerks, claimed as Tourette's syndrome, and a higher evaluation for PTSD. The Board found no evidence of disease or injury in service that could be linked to the current disability, and there was no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange. The Board also noted that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a 100% rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The deciding factor: The Board determined that the veteran's myoclonic jerks were not incurred or aggravated by service and could not be presumed due to exposure to herbicides. The PTSD was rated as 30 percent disabling, but the Board found no evidence of occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating.

Claimed conditions
{"conditionName":"Myoclonic Jerks","claimedCondition":"Tourette's Syndrome"}
How they argued it
Not specified
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
July 31, 2002
Citation
0208804

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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0208804.

What this means for you

A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.

What you can do next

Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.