The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety/depression, due to the lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors/events. The Veteran's reported stressors were not corroborated by official military records or service department research.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's reported stressors involving witnessing children being shot and seeing a decapitated head during service were not verified through official military records, and thus, his lay testimony alone was insufficient to corroborate the claimed in-service events. Without verified stressors, service connection for PTSD could not be established.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 25, 2022
- Citation
- 22054606
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 22054606.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
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- Granted
The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression; a back disorder; a neck disorder; and a left knee disorder. The claims are remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records and the need to contact witnesses of the alleged in-service assault.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a skin condition, and a back condition due to various procedural errors and the need for additional development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for elevated triglycerides with high cholesterol has been withdrawn by the Veteran. The remaining issues have been remanded for further examination and evaluation.,The Veteran is entitled to VA examinations to determine if his joint pain/arthralgias, vision problems, hypertension, hemorrhoids, stomach condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's application to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a dental disability is denied. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression are granted.
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