The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, alcohol abuse disorder, unspecified personality disorder, and major depressive disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations found no direct service connection for any of the claimed conditions, with the Veteran's diagnoses being attributed to his personality disorders and alcohol use rather than military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Alcohol Abuse Disorder, Unspecified Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 13, 2023
- Citation
- 23050814
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 23050814.
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 major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to a verified in-service stressor, and the positive and negative medical evidence is at least in equipoise.
- Whole decision: Granted
Your claim for a higher rating and service connection for PTSD has been granted. The new evidence supports reopening your case.
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