Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The veteran's claims for service connection and SMC were denied due to the lack of evidence showing a direct link between his conditions and his military service. The claim for PTSD was granted, but not at an increased rate.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish that the veteran's conditions were directly related to his military service.

Claimed conditions
diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease, angina, ischemic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic renal failure, diabetic retinopathy, cerebrovascular disease, carotid artery disease
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
100%
Decision date
November 5, 2008
Citation
0838264

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 0838264.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

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.