The Board found compelling circumstances warranted the Veteran's prolonged unauthorized absence, thus finding that his character of discharge from service for the period from October 1965 to March 1973 does not constitute a statutory or regulatory bar to VA compensation benefits.
The deciding factor: The Board determined there were compelling circumstances warranting the Veteran’s prolonged unauthorized absence due to traumatic brain injury and PTSD following a significant head injury in service, which resulted in cognitive and psychological issues.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury, Headaches, Bilateral Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Back Disability, Diabetes Mellitus type II, Peripheral Neuropathy, Ischemic Heart Disease, Hypertension
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20068276
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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 an effective date of February 21, 2007, for the award of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious distress.
- Granted
The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), as the Veteran's symptoms most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- 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.
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.