The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for dysphagia, vocal cord paralysis and achalasia were denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his active duty or due to VA care.
The deciding factor: The medical opinions provided did not establish a direct service connection between the Veteran's psychiatric disorder and his in-service experiences. The Board found the evidence insufficient to link the acquired psychiatric disorder to service, nor could it be linked to any of the conditions for which compensation was sought under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.
- Claimed conditions
- dysphagia, vocal cord paralysis, achalasia
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20042072
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 20042072.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The claims will be readjudicated after obtaining any necessary records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for hiatal hernia with gastritis and dysphagia, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a duty to assist error. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder claim will be reconsidered with the inclusion of all relevant private medical records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dysphagia, and mild esophageal dysmotility. The evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.
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