The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, claimed as bipolar disorder and depression were denied. The claim of service connection for post-traumatic deformity involving the base of the right thumb and triquetrum with degenerative changes was also denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of dislocation of the right shoulder from October 1, 2005, was not addressed as it is part of a larger appeal.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not provide sufficient detail or supporting evidence to verify her claimed sexual assault stressor. She also did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD based on verified stressors and the clinical record lacks significant probative value regarding her claim of a sexual assault during military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar disorder and/or depression
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 21, 2010
- Citation
- 1003144
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 1003144.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding the appellant's symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of February 21, 2007, for the award of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious distress.
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