The Board denied service connection for alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and acid reflux secondary to alcoholism. The claim to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for defective hearing of the left ear was also denied. Additionally, an increased rating for PTSD was not warranted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show a current disability related to alcoholism or any secondary conditions. There was no new and material evidence to support reopening the claim for defective hearing in the left ear. The veteran's symptoms of PTSD more nearly approximated the degree of occupational and social impairment contemplated by a 50 percent schedular rating, but no higher.
- Claimed conditions
- alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, acid reflux, defective hearing of the left ear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 7, 2008
- Citation
- 0815065
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.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for right foot, left elbow, left hip, left ankle, and diabetes mellitus to obtain additional medical evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
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