The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's OCD and BDD preexisted service, and were not aggravated by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric disorders (OCD and BDD) are presumed to have existed prior to service as there is no medical evidence showing they were incurred or aggravated during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 17, 2011
- Citation
- 1110701
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 1110701.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for further development, including obtaining additional private treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and OCD, are related to his military service. The appeal is granted.
- Dismissed
The Veteran requested to withdraw her appeal regarding service connection for OCD, and the Board has dismissed the appeal.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), due to aggravation by exposure to chemicals during military service. The issue of service connection for epilepsy is remanded for further examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.