The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychological disorder was reopened based on new and material evidence, but the claim was ultimately denied as there is no competent evidence indicating that he developed a superimposed psychiatric disability during service that aggravated his personality disorder.
The deciding factor: The Board found that while the veteran has a current diagnosis of major depressive disorder and personality disorder, there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service. The primary underlying problem identified was his problematic personality structure, which predated service.
- Claimed conditions
- Psychological Disorder (Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate; Personality Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2009
- Citation
- 0904164
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for sarcoidosis as new and relevant evidence has been received since the previous denial.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for a left-hand condition is dismissed as the Veteran was granted service connection for mononeuropathy to the left hand fourth finger with parasthesia of skin in an October 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding their etiology.
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