The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, finding that her conditions clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service and were not aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service and were not aggravated in or due to service.
- Claimed conditions
- unspecified bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23059760
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 23059760.
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 claims for service connection due to incomplete medical opinions and a need for additional evidence. The Veteran's anxiety and panic disorder are being considered, as well as her personality disorder.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for unspecified bipolar disorder, unspecified trauma & stressor related disorder and opioid use disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran's passing during the pendency of the appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but has remanded the issues of major depressive disorder and unspecified bipolar disorder and alcohol use (claimed as PTSD).
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.