The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence. However, it has been determined that there is no link between the Veteran's current PTSD diagnosis and an in-service stressor, specifically being hit by a chair during active duty. The claim for TBI and its residuals was also denied as there is insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.
The deciding factor: The Board found conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's PTSD, with one examiner suggesting it may be related to an in-service stressor (being hit by a chair), while another examiner opined that the current TBI and its residuals are less likely caused by service. The preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 14, 2017
- Citation
- 1751904
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 1751904.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
Service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is granted. The appeal as to the issue of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction is dismissed.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial ratings for anxiety disorder and TBI were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder was denied, and he was granted a TDIU. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a 100% disability rating.
- Granted
The Board granted entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(t) effective January 21, 2019, based on the appellant's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected TBI.
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