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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0000346.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent rating prior to March 7, 2022, while other claims were denied.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and GAD, as well as tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, as it needs a medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the condition prior to October 16, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
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