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Denied

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and an increased rating for PTSD, as well as his claim for a higher initial rating for Morton's neuroma of the left foot. The veteran's PTSD is characterized by impairment in concentration, memory, irritability, and depressed mood, but does not render his disability picture unusual or exceptional.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish a nexus between the veteran's current hearing loss and service, nor was there sufficient medical evidence to support an increased rating for PTSD or a higher initial rating for Morton's neuroma of the left foot.

Claimed conditions
Hearing loss, Hypertension (secondary to service-connected right foot amputation), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Morton's neuroma of the left foot
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
50%
Decision date
January 6, 2000
Citation
0000346

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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0000346.

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