The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition existed prior to service. The Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are linked to his in-service sexual abuse by priests.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners provided opinions indicating that the Veteran's PTSD was initially caused by being sexually assaulted as a teenager and exacerbated by an assault while in military service, which is considered clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing condition not aggravated during service.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia, Alcohol Dependence
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 1, 2018
- Citation
- 1806766
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 1806766.
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 Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
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