The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability and increased ratings for various conditions, including UARS. The Board found no evidence supporting the claim for an acquired psychiatric disability and granted a minimum compensable rating for UARS.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not meet the criteria for an acquired psychiatric disability as diagnosed by VA psychiatrists and psychologists. His upper airway resistance syndrome was rated based on its current manifestations, resulting in a staged rating of 50% effective June 10, 2015.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired psychiatric disability, Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), Sinus arrhythmia, Allergic rhinitis, Inguinal hernia, Scar, right upper extremity, Scars, right lower extremity, Migraine headaches, Dry eye syndrome with lattice degeneration
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20079985
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 3,217 · Granted: 46% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 20079985.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal regarding attorney fees for past-due benefits awarded in a June 2021 rating decision is dismissed as moot due to the waiver of rights by R.V.C.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development. The Veteran contends his allergic rhinitis began during service, but VA medical opinions have found no link between his current condition and service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for traumatic brain injury and migraine headaches due to right eye removal are granted. The claim for a compensable evaluation of xeroderma of the right eye is remanded.
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