The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD related to military sexual trauma (MST), has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence in the form of VAMC treatment records from various VA medical centers, a July 2017 VA examination, and January 2020 lay statements. However, the Veteran's assertions regarding MST are inconsistent, raising doubt about their credibility. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's problems are related to substance abuse rather than PTSD.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's consistent inconsistencies in his claims for service connection raise doubts about the reliability of his statements and may indicate a lack of credible evidence supporting his claim.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired Psychiatric Disability
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 8, 2023
- Citation
- 23044075
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 23044075.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 acquired psychiatric disability is rated at 100 percent, and he is granted SMC based on housebound status. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100 percent schedular rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to her military service and not a pre-existing condition. The decision also acknowledges that her service-connected disabilities may have contributed to her current mental health issues.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disability is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The AOJ will now consider these claims on their merits.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for PTSD, rhinitis, and sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to determine if these conditions are related to her military service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.