Granted
The Board found that the appellant's service was honest, faithful, and meritorious despite his period of AWOL. The Board determined there were compelling circumstances warranting the prolonged absence, thus not finding a bar to VA benefits.
The deciding factor: The appellant presented compelling reasons for going AWOL due to mental health issues following deployment, which created distress that warranted the extended absence.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20005195
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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.