Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, Other Specified Trauma or Stressor Related Disorder, is related to his military service.,Service connection for PTSD is not granted as the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.,There is no current evidence of ischemic heart disease or non-ischemic cardiovascular condition in the record.,The Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and non-ischemic cardiovascular condition are denied due to lack of a current disability.

The deciding factor: The VA psychologist found that the Veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, but diagnosed him with Other Specified Trauma or Stressor Related Disorder (OSTRD) based on his reported in-service stressors. The OSTRD was related to his military service.,There is no current evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD and the VA psychologist found that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for PTSD under DSM-5.,The medical records do not show any diagnosed heart condition or disability, with the exception of medications prescribed for other conditions. The Veteran has provided his own statements regarding his health issues.,Without a current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease or non-ischemic cardiovascular condition, service connection cannot be granted.

Claimed conditions
acquired psychiatric disorder (Other Specified Trauma or Stressor Related Disorder), ischemic heart disease, non-ischemic cardiovascular condition
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
December 14, 2017
Citation
1757891

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1757891.

What this means for you

A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.

What you can do next

Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.