The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a low back disorder, and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a heart condition were denied as the evidence did not support the conclusion that he has PTSD or a chronic psychiatric disorder during his military service, and there was no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for a low back disorder.
The deciding factor: The veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD, but rather is diagnosed with major depression. There is no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disorder in service, and the absence of treatment for over 25 years after service speaks against finding a relationship exists between his current major depression and any episode in service.
- Claimed conditions
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Low back disorder, Heart condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 14, 2009
- Citation
- 0901521
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a low back disorder to correct duty to assist errors, as the previous VA examinations and opinions are inadequate.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a heart condition to provide a new VA examination and obtain medical opinions addressing whether the Veteran's diagnosed heart conditions are related to service or caused or aggravated by one or more service-connected disabilities, including hypertension.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for hearing loss, psychiatric disorder, neck disorder, and radiculopathy of both upper and lower extremities to correct duty-to-assist errors.
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