The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD. The Board finds that the most probative evidence weighs against a current PTSD diagnosis and concludes that the Veteran does not have this disability. His TDIU claim, however, is granted based on his service-connected bipolar disorder with psychotic features.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service treatment records do not indicate any diagnosis of PTSD during or after service. The January 2011 VA psychiatric examination concluded that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis due to lack of persistent avoidance and numbing of general responsiveness. His current diagnoses include bipolar disorder with psychotic features, which is rated at 70% disability.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- January 16, 2015
- Citation
- 1502270
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 1502270.
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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