The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including other specified trauma and stressor related disorder), and hypertension has been reopened. The Board finds that new evidence supports the reopening of these claims. Service connection is granted for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other specified trauma and stressor related disorder). However, service connection for hypertension cannot be established as it did not manifest within one year of separation from service or is otherwise etiologically related to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran submitted new evidence that provided a nexus between his military service and his diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder (other specified trauma and stressor related disorder). The Board found this evidence sufficient to reopen the claim. For hypertension, there was no evidence showing it manifested within one year of separation from service or was otherwise etiologically related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (Other specified trauma and stressor related disorder), Unspecified Anxiety Disorder, Hypertension
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 12, 2019
- Citation
- 19170807
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 19170807.
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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