Service connection for a cervical spine disability is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it began during service or is related to an in-service injury.,Service connection for a stomach disability (chronic gastritis) is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during active service and continuity of symptomatology has not been established.,Service connection for PTSD is denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD due to in-service stressors.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the cervical spine disability began during service or is related to an in-service injury, and continuity of symptomatology has not been established.,There was no diagnosed chronic gastritis during active service. The Veteran's current diagnosis of chronic gastritis is attributed to alcohol abuse, which occurred after separation from service.,The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD due to in-service stressors as his symptoms were related to motor vehicle accidents and substance abuse.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical disability, Stomach disability (chronic gastritis), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 3, 2020
- Citation
- 20077023
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 20077023.
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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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