The Board finds that the Veteran's prolonged unauthorized absence, including a 22-month period from April 1983 to February 1985, was warranted due to compelling circumstances such as his son's premature death and subsequent care. The Board resolves doubt in favor of the appellant and concludes that the character of discharge is not considered a bar to VA compensation benefits.
The deciding factor: The prolonged unauthorized absence from April 1983 to February 1985 was due to compelling circumstances such as the Veteran's son's premature death, which required his immediate presence at home. The Board finds this absences were warranted and resolves doubt in favor of the appellant.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 6, 2009
- Citation
- 0937933
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 0937933.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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).
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