The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, a left foot disorder (flat foot), heel spurs, and right bundle branch block and left ventricular hypertrophy were denied as the evidence did not support the presence of current disabilities related to these conditions.
The deciding factor: There was no competent medical evidence showing that the Veteran currently had hearing loss, heel spurs, or a disability due to right bundle branch block and left ventricular hypertrophy. A flat foot was found in service but there was no evidence of arthritis of the left foot post-service.
- Claimed conditions
- hearing loss, left foot disorder (flat foot), heel spurs, right bundle branch block and left ventricular hypertrophy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 10, 2009
- Citation
- 0904668
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 appeal to obtain a VA medical opinion that considers the Veteran's contentions of in-service training with heavy gear and equipment.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 50 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and denied increased ratings for right shoulder impingement syndrome, hearing loss, painful scar, patellofemoral pain syndromes of the knees, and other conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection, higher ratings, and earlier effective dates, as well as dismissed his claim for a TDIU.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for a left wrist condition was dismissed due to concurrent election of higher-level review. The claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral pes planus, and for service connection for hearing loss, neck strain, and dermatitis were denied.
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