The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the veteran's cognitive disorder began during or as a result of service, and therefore grants service connection for a cognitive disorder.
The deciding factor: While there was no diagnosis of cognitive disorder in service, the documented history of memory problems and attention disorder during and since service, along with a diagnosis within three years of separation from service, places the evidence in relative equipoise as to whether his cognitive disorder began during or as a result of service.
- Claimed conditions
- cognitive disorder, not otherwise specified, memory loss and attention disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2008
- Citation
- 0816404
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0816404.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial higher rating for cognitive disorder, not otherwise specified, with mood disorder, not otherwise specified is granted. The Board finds that further development is necessary regarding the remaining issues on appeal and remands them.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a cognitive disorder, not otherwise specified, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate this claim as it is no longer pending.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for further examination regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety. The Veteran's reported incidents during service are being verified.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, particularly major depression with cognitive disorder. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to service.
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