The Veteran's claim for service connection to an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied because she was discharged under dishonorable conditions and her current mental health diagnoses are not related to events during her second deployment to Somalia.
The deciding factor: The Veteran was discharged from her last period of active service under dishonorable conditions, which bars VA compensation for any disability incurred or aggravated therein. Her claim is denied as there is no indication that her current psychiatric disorders are related to this period of service.
- Claimed conditions
- Postpartum depression, Insomnia, Sleep disturbances, Sexual harassment, PTSD
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 25, 2018
- Citation
- 18144703
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18144703.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's appeal for an extension of his education assistance benefits under Chapter 33 was granted, as the evidence showed he was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and could not complete his program within the original eligibility period.
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