The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, PTSD due to MST, alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder, and body dysmorphia, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability in service or post-service continuity of symptoms. The Board also found that the Veteran's statements regarding his onset of these conditions were inconsistent with contemporaneous medical records.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor, and thus could not establish service connection for PTSD. The Board also found no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptoms since service.
- Claimed conditions
- anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to military sexual trauma (MST), alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder, body dysmorphia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 10, 2023
- Citation
- 23044627
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 23044627.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the claims for service connection for anxiety, depression, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), finding that new and relevant evidence supports these claims.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, along with alcohol use disorder, has been granted a 100% evaluation effective from April 8, 2021. The disability causes total occupational and social impairment.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia and alcohol use disorder caused his sleep apnea.
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