Citation Nr: 21077064 Decision Date: 12/28/21 Archive Date: 12/28/21 DOCKET NO. 20-29 847 DATE: December 28, 2021 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is granted. FINDING OF FACT The Veteran's currently diagnosed PTSD is attributable to military service. CONCLUSION OF LAW The criteria for entitlement to service connection for PTSD have been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1131. 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.304, 3.307, 3.309. REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION The Veteran served on active duty with the United States Marine Corps from November 1984 to November 1988, and was called to active duty as a Reservist from February 1991 to March 1991. This matter is before the Board of Veterans' Appeal (Board) on appeal from a January 2018 rating decision of the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), denying entitlement to service connection for PTSD. This claim has been continuously prosecuted since the filing of an October 2017 claim. The Veteran testified during a video conference hearing before the undersigned in December 2021. This decision is rendered prior to production of a hearing transcript; given the favorable outcome, the Veteran is not prejudiced by this action. A transcript will be associated with the file at a later date. With respect to the Veteran's claims decided herein, VA has met all statutory and regulatory notice and duty-to-assist provisions. See 38 U.S.C. §§ 5100, 5102, 5103, 5103A, 5106, 5107, 5126; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.156(a), 3.159, 3.326. Neither the Veteran nor his representative has advanced any procedural arguments in relation to VA's duty to notify and assist. See Scott v. McDonald, 789 F.3d 1375 (Fed. Cir. 2015). Service Connection Service connection is awarded for disability that is the result of a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1131. Service connection requires competent evidence showing: (1) the existence of a present disability; (2) in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury; and (3) a causal relationship between the present disability and the disease or injury incurred or aggravated during service. Shedden v. Principi, 381 F. 3d 1163 (Fed. Cir. 2004). In determining whether service connection is warranted for a disability, VA is responsible for determining whether the evidence supports the claim or is in relative equipoise, with the Veteran prevailing in either event, or whether a preponderance of the evidence is against the claim, in which case the claim is denied. 38 U.S.C. § 5107; Gilbert v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 49 (1990). When there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding any issue material to the determination, the benefit of the doubt is afforded the claimant. The Veteran asserts that his currently diagnosed PTSD is related to events in service, particularly during his 1991 period of service. The Veteran's military personnel records indicate that he served as a member of the Twelfth Marine Corps District Casualty and Family Assistance team during the Gulf War. The Veteran indicated that his job was to inform family members that their service member was seriously injured or deceased. The Board finds this alleged stressor did in fact occur and is consistent with the Veteran's service records. The Veteran's duties are sufficient stressor for PTSD. VA treatment records indicate that the Veteran has received treatment for PTSD and/or a depressive disorder since 2017. The Veteran specifically discussed his experience as a member of the Casualty and Family Assistance team during the Gulf War with providers. In a letter in VA medical records, the Veteran's psychologist stated that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military related trauma, naming the casualty notification team. The Veteran continues to receive treatment from VA medical providers for his symptoms related to PTSD. When considering the nature of disability, the Veteran's credible lay statements, post-service medical evidence substantiating the Veteran's claim, as well as the VA mental health records; and resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor, the Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is the result of disease or injury incurred in service. WILLIAM H. DONNELLY Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board Lauren Barletta The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.