The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as unspecified depressive disorder, bipolar disorder type II, PTSD, adjustment disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and insomnia disorder. The initial rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae was denied, and the effective dates for the awards of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and tinnitus were also denied.

The deciding factor: The Board granted service connection based on a diagnosis related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during active duty service. The denial of initial rating and earlier effective date was due to insufficient evidence of the disability manifesting in characteristic lesions involving at least 5 percent of the entire body affected or exposed areas, as well as no formal or informal claim for entitlement to service connection prior to May 22, 2023.

Claimed conditions

Unspecified depressive disorder, Bipolar disorder type II, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Adjustment disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Insomnia disorder

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 6, 2025

Citation

A25097013

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