The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is denied as he does not meet the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has been diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder and borderline intellectual functioning, which are not diseases or injuries under VA law and regulations. The evidence does not demonstrate an acquired psychiatric disability in service that is superimposed upon these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Pervasive developmental disorder, borderline intellectual functioning
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 24, 2021
- Citation
- 21010440
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 21010440.
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 Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorder, borderline intellectual functioning, and dyslexia have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, memory problems, mood disorders, psychosis, antisocial personality disorder, and borderline intellectual functioning, has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, service connection is not granted as there is no credible supporting evidence that any in-service stressor occurred or was related to his service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service. The VA needs to conduct further examination and review of records.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 50 percent for bipolar disorder and borderline intellectual functioning, as well as the propriety of reducing his rating from 100 to 50 percent. The issues are being remanded due to procedural errors and the need for further development.
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