The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected bipolar disorder with memory loss and multiple sclerosis with left lower extremity weakness, finding that the current evaluations were appropriate.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show symptoms warranting a higher rating than currently assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- bipolar disorder with memory loss, multiple sclerosis with left lower extremity weakness
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 24, 2004
- Citation
- 0423296
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 0423296.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for ratings in excess of 50 percent for bipolar disorder with memory loss and in excess of 40 percent for tonic clonic seizures have been dismissed. The appeal for a compensable rating for tension headaches has been remanded, as well as the TDIU claim.
- Whole decision: Denied
The veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The RO was directed to obtain additional treatment records, conduct VA examinations, and consider the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
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