The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, most recently characterized as an unspecified depressive disorder, is at least as likely as not etiologically related to in-service events and service connection for this condition is granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found the stressor events sufficient to support a claim for PTSD but concluded that the symptoms did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. The examiner opined that it is less likely as not (a 50 percent probability) that PTSD was incurred in, caused by or related to service in Vietnam. However, he further opined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is a result of an in-service stressor-related event.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (unspecified depressive disorder), PTSD
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2018
- Citation
- 1807354
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 1807354.
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.
- 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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