The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran currently has PTSD and depression that are at least as likely as not etiologically related to his service, including witnessing routine physical abuse and humiliation of soldiers and encountering a hurricane while aboard the USS Luce. As such, service connection for PTSD and depression is granted.
The deciding factor: The Board determined there was sufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD based on in-service stressors, including witnessing routine physical abuse and humiliation of other sailors and being stranded on deck during a hurricane, which led to symptoms of PTSD and depression. The Veteran's statements were found credible, and the medical opinions supported these findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 12, 2017
- Citation
- 1726867
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 1726867.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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