The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for Hepatitis B and C was also denied. The veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during his service in Vietnam, and there is no credible supporting evidence of the claimed stressors. His current symptoms align with a 40 percent disability rating for Hepatitis B and C.
The deciding factor: The veteran's PTSD claim was denied because he did not engage in combat with the enemy and there was insufficient credible supporting evidence to verify his reported stressors. The veteran's Hepatitis B and C claim was denied as well, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes of symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 15, 2004
- Citation
- 0409756
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 0409756.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for cirrhosis, hepatitis C, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, Barrett's esophagus, and obstructive sleep apnea but dismissed the claim for an acquired psychiatric disability.
- 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.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.