The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because there is no credible evidence of combat exposure or non-combat stressors supporting a diagnosis of PTSD. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have any other diagnosed psychiatric disability, such as recurrent major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence, that could be linked to his military service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's account of in-service stressors was deemed inconsistent with objective evidence and not credible due to his assignment beginning after the claimed events. There is no corroborating evidence of a non-combat stressor supporting a diagnosis of PTSD.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, recurrent major depressive disorder, alcohol dependence
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 10, 2009
- Citation
- 0946923
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0946923.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
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