The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disability was not caused by VA care, treatment, or examination. The proximate cause of his additional disability was attributed to personality issues and poor human interaction.
The deciding factor: VA did not exercise the degree of care expected from a reasonable health care provider in February 2004 therapy session and incorrect medication dosage, but these events were not considered to be an instance of fault on VA's part.
- Claimed conditions
- Panic attack, Dysthymic disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21001550
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 21001550.
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: Granted
The Board found that the appellant's misconduct was mitigated by his combat-related experiences and mental health symptoms, leading to a decision granting VA benefits despite his bad conduct discharge.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The claim was remanded to provide a VA examination to evaluate the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to a duty-to-assist error related to missing service treatment records. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders, are being examined by VA.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's SMC claim is denied as he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable provisions, including those related to service-connected disabilities and regular aid and attendance need.
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