The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, reopening of the claim for bilateral hearing loss, and increased rating for residuals of a broken left hand were denied as there was no credible evidence supporting an in-service stressor for PTSD, no new material evidence to reopen the claim for bilateral hearing loss, and the disability did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The lack of credible evidence supporting an in-service stressor for PTSD, the absence of new material evidence regarding the claimed bilateral hearing loss, and the veteran's service-connected residuals of a broken left hand being productive only minor residual pain and discomfort with no functional impairment warranted denial of the claims.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, Bilateral hearing loss, Residuals of a broken left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 8, 2009
- Citation
- 0900858
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to ensure a proper examination and etiology opinion are provided.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and somatic symptom disorder, as well as presumptive service connection for basal cell carcinoma under the PACT Act. Service connection was denied for chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, right restless leg syndrome, left restless leg syndrome, an increased rating for psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, a left forehead surgical scar, and allergic rhinitis.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as the Veteran did not have a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder during the appeal period.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
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